Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launch Swarn Nagari Express Linking Jaisalmer to Delhi

New Delhi : Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the inaugural special train of the new Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) rail service from Jaisalmer station today.

In view of public sentiment, Vaishnaw announced that the Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) Express will be named Swarn Nagari Express.

The introduction of the Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) Jaisalmer Express will significantly enhance rail connectivity between the national capital and the western region of Rajasthan. Cities such as Ramdevra, Jodhpur, Makrana, Jaipur, and Alwar will now be connected to the national capital with greater ease and convenience.

The new service will provide easier access to advanced medical and educational facilities, improve connectivity to major tourist destinations, and support economic growth in the surrounding regions. By offering a reliable and convenient travel option, the train will benefit residents, tourists, students, and businesses alike, strengthening regional mobility and development.

In his address, Vaishnaw, said that Indian Railways is progressing rapidly and is establishing new milestones every day. He said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is committed to taking its developmental journey to new heights.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that unprecedented work is being undertaken for railway development in Rajasthan, with projects worth about ₹55,000 crore currently in progress. As part of expanding the railway network in border areas, the proposal for a new line from Anupgarh to Khajuwala, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer and up to Bhabhar is progressing through various stages. The construction of these lines will not only benefit the general public but will also play an important role in strategic support for the armed forces.

Vaishnaw informed that prior to 2014, the annual budget allocation for Rajasthan was only around ₹680 crore, which has now increased to nearly ₹10,000 crore. Speaking about railway facilities at Pokaran station, he said that once the construction of the new Ramdevra–Pokaran via Bhairav Gufa and Kailash Tekri rail line is completed, all trains will be given a halt at this station. He also directed officials to carry out this line’s work on a war footing.

Vaishnaw also announced the construction of a second entry gate at Jaisalmer station. He instructed officials to expedite the completion of the coaching depot so that more trains can be operated from Jaisalmer.

Speaking about the redevelopment of Jaisalmer station, Vaishnaw said that its transformation has been completed at a cost of ₹140 crore. He added that redevelopment work of 85 stations in Rajasthan, with an investment of about ₹4,000 crore, is underway. Shri Vaishnaw said that due to the strengthening of railway infrastructure in Rajasthan, six pairs of Vande Bharat trains and one pair of Amrit Bharat train, along with other services, are being operated, and in the last six months, including this train, eight new trains have been introduced. He also directed that the track renewal work between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur be taken up on priority.

During the programme, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, expressed gratitude to Ashwini Vaishnaw. In their addresses, Ummeda Ram Beniwal, Member of Parliament, Kailash Choudhary, former Union Minister of State, and Chhotu Singh, Hon’ble MLA, also expressed their gratitude to Ashwini Vaishnaw for the new rail service and railway development works.