Rajasthan on the Fast Track of Rail Development: Investment of Over ₹10,000 Crore to Transform the State
Gopendra Nath Bhatt
The Union Budget presented on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha has brought significant benefits for Rajasthan. Statements by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma regarding the budget are expected to have a major impact on the state’s future development.
On Monday in Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma addressed a press conference on the Union Budget and said that Rajasthan has been benefitted by recognizing it as a strong pillar in the country’s development journey. He stated that the budget has worked to integrate Rajasthan more firmly into the national development mainstream, which will lead to an increase in employment opportunities across the state.
He highlighted that a provision of ₹12.20 lakh crore has been made for infrastructure development, which will benefit cities across Rajasthan. Under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Scheme, 40 lakh new homes will benefit from solar energy. Customs duty exemptions on lithium and capital goods will promote the mining industry in Rajasthan.
The Chief Minister further said that the budget will boost medical tourism in the state. Rajasthan has announced a semiconductor and data center policy, which will further benefit the region. Policies related to *Atmanirbhar Bharat* will support small industries. Large manufacturing units such as JCB are already operating in Rajasthan, and the state’s industrial corridors are ready to welcome new investments. The budget also includes plans to attract foreign investment. He added that employment opportunities will rise, girls’ hostels in every district will help women progress, and livestock farmers will benefit from the Loan with Capital Scheme.
Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Rajasthan has received a major boost from the central government in the field of railway infrastructure. Under the Union Budget, ₹10,228 crore has been allocated to Rajasthan for railway projects. He stated that this budget aims to strengthen the railway network in the state and represents a record allocation that will improve rail connectivity, passenger amenities, and the development of modern stations.
According to Vaishnaw, this investment will not only strengthen railway infrastructure but will also play a crucial role in connecting border areas, tribal regions, and backward districts with the mainstream of development. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian Railways is being developed as a modern, safe, and fast transportation system.
He added that railway electrification is nearing completion, and the introduction of Vande Bharat and other new train services will significantly improve passenger convenience. Infrastructure upgrades are progressing rapidly at major stations such as Jaipur Junction and Gandhinagar, along with development work at other stations across the state.
Vaishnaw also informed that in the Union Budget 2026–27, total railway allocation has increased to ₹2.78 lakh crore, the highest ever. He described this as a decisive step toward the goal of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He noted that railway safety has improved by nearly 95 percent in recent years, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. He emphasized that railway project allocations have been made on a state-wise basis according to specific needs, with Rajasthan receiving around ₹10,228 crore—significantly higher than allocations during the UPA government period.
Given Rajasthan’s vast size and strategic importance, railway development has been given special priority. The allocated funds will be used for laying new railway lines, doubling existing tracks, electrification, station redevelopment, and expansion of passenger facilities. Considering the state’s geographical diversity, rail connectivity is especially crucial. Border districts in western Rajasthan, tribal areas in the south, and industrial regions in eastern Rajasthan have long demanded better rail links. The ₹10,000 crore investment will help expand the railway network in these areas, facilitating easier movement of people and providing direct benefits to agriculture, mining, tourism, and industry.
According to the Railway Ministry, several new railway line projects in the state are at various stages of implementation, including some long-pending projects that are now gaining momentum. Infrastructure suitable for freight trains is also being developed to promote goods transport, enabling Rajasthan’s minerals and industrial products to reach other parts of the country at lower costs.
Special emphasis is being placed on station modernization. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, several major stations in Rajasthan are being upgraded with world-class facilities, including modern waiting halls, clean platforms, improved parking, facilities for persons with disabilities, and digital information systems. This will ensure a safer and more convenient travel experience for passengers.
Rajasthan is also making rapid progress in railway electrification. Electrification will reduce operational costs and contribute to environmental protection by lowering dependence on diesel engines, reducing carbon emissions, and improving energy efficiency. This aligns with the central government’s goals of green and sustainable development.
Ashwini Vaishnaw further stated that railway projects are generating large-scale employment opportunities in the state. From construction to operations and maintenance, local youth are gaining employment. Improved rail connectivity will also boost tourism, opening new opportunities in hotels, transport, and the service sector.
The Rajasthan government has welcomed the Centre’s support, stating that this investment in railway infrastructure will give new momentum to the state’s economy. In districts that previously had limited transport facilities, new avenues of development will now open.
Overall, the ₹10,000 crore railway budget is not just financial assistance for Rajasthan, but a strong foundation for long-term development. Expansion and modernization of the rail network will improve connectivity, attract investment, and provide safe, convenient, and accessible transport to the public. In the coming years, this initiative will place Rajasthan firmly on a new track of rapid development.
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