Swarn Nagari Express: Jaisalmer–Delhi rail service flagged off

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on Saturday flagged off the inaugural special train of the new Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) rail service from Jaisalmer station.

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

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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 Indian Railways is progressing rapidly and is establishing new milestones every day.

He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is committed to taking its developmental journey to new heights.

The Railway Minister said unprecedented work is being undertaken for railway development in Rajasthan, with projects worth about Rs 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 Rs 680 crore, which has now increased to nearly Rs 10,000 crore.

Speaking about railway facilities at Pokhran station, he said 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.