Swarn Nagari Express Launched to Boost Rajasthan–Delhi Rail Connectivity

The introduction of the Swarn Nagari Express marks a significant enhancement in rail connectivity between Delhi and western Rajasthan.

In a landmark development poised to transform rail travel between Rajasthan and the national capital, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, jointly flagged off the inaugural run of the new Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) special train from Jaisalmer station today.

Responding to strong public sentiment, Shri Vaishnaw officially announced that the train will be known as the Swarn Nagari Express, symbolizing the golden heritage of Jaisalmer and its deep cultural connection with the rest of India.

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A Major Boost to Regional Development and Connectivity

The introduction of the Swarn Nagari Express marks a significant enhancement in rail connectivity between Delhi and western Rajasthan. The new service will link several key cities and towns—including Ramdevra, Jodhpur, Makrana, Jaipur, and Alwar—to the national capital with improved convenience, safety, and speed.

The improved rail linkage is expected to:

• Facilitate access to advanced healthcare and educational services

• Strengthen tourism in Rajasthan's heritage-rich regions

• Promote smoother travel for commuters, students, professionals, and tourists

• Support the growth of local businesses and industries

• Enhance mobility across major trade, cultural, and pilgrimage centres

This expansion further cements Rajasthan's position as one of India's fastest-developing states in terms of railway infrastructure.

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Indian Railways Scaling New Heights Under PM's Guidance

Addressing the gathering, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid progress Indian Railways is making under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that rail infrastructure is witnessing unprecedented expansion.

He announced that projects worth around ₹55,000 crore are currently underway in Rajasthan, reflecting the Union Government's commitment to aligning railway development with regional aspirations.

Key points underscored by the Minister include:

• Border area expansion: New railway lines proposed from Anupgarh to Khajuwala, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, extending up to Bhabhar. These lines will bolster both civilian transportation and strategic military logistics.

• Budget growth: Rajasthan's railway allocation has increased dramatically—from ₹680 crore before 2014 to almost ₹10,000 crore today.

• Strengthening existing infrastructure: Priority has been given to modernizing stations, renewing critical tracks, and expanding capacity for new services.

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Major Railway Infrastructure Upgrades in Jaisalmer Region

Shri Vaishnaw revealed several transformative initiatives for Jaisalmer district and its surrounding areas:

1. Second Entry Gate at Jaisalmer Station

A new entry gate will be constructed to ease passenger movement and improve station accessibility.

2. Rapid Construction of Coaching Depot

The Minister instructed officials to accelerate the completion of the new coaching depot, enabling the introduction of additional train services from Jaisalmer in the future.

3. Redevelopment of Jaisalmer Station

The station's redevelopment—completed at a cost of ₹140 crore—has modernized passenger amenities, architectural design, and safety features, making it one of Rajasthan's flagship railway upgrades.

4. Enhanced Connectivity at Pokaran

Once the Ramdevra–Pokaran rail line via Bhairav Gufa and Kailash Tekri is completed, all trains in the region will be routed via Pokaran, boosting connectivity for local residents.

5. Track Renewal Between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur

Shri Vaishnaw directed officials to prioritize this crucial renewal work to enhance safety, train speeds, and operational efficiency.

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Multiple New Train Services Strengthening Rajasthan's Rail Network

As part of Indian Railways' expansion, Rajasthan has recently seen the introduction of:

• Six pairs of Vande Bharat trains

• One pair of Amrit Bharat train

• Eight new trains in the last six months, including the Swarn Nagari Express

These additions reflect a robust and future-centric rail environment supporting both economic growth and passenger comfort.

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Leaders Express Gratitude for Transformative Rail Initiatives

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the Railways Ministry for its continued focus on Rajasthan's development and thanked Shri Vaishnaw for his proactive leadership. Members of Parliament and legislators—including Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal, Shri Kailash Choudhary, and Shri Chhotu Singh—also expressed deep appreciation for the new service and ongoing developmental efforts in the region.

Their remarks highlighted the significance of the Swarn Nagari Express as a symbol of inclusive growth, improved mobility, and stronger connections between Rajasthan and India's heartland.