In a significant development for regional connectivity, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated several key railway infrastructure projects at the Jodhpur Railway Station on Friday. These initiatives are set to provide a massive boost to tourism, trade, and passenger convenience across the state.

Vande Bharat Upgraded for Higher Capacity

Responding to the growing demand for premium rail travel, the Railway Ministry has announced a major upgrade to the Jodhpur-Delhi Cantt Vande Bharat Superfast Express.

• Capacity Expansion: Starting May 24, 2026, the train’s composition will be increased from 8 to 20 coaches.
• Configuration: The upgraded train will feature 2 Executive Chair Cars, 16 AC Chair Cars, and 2 Driver Power Cars.
• Impact: This enhancement will significantly increase seat availability, providing a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers on this high-demand route.

Connectivity Boost: Jaisalmer and Sabarmati Link

The popular Sabarmati-Jodhpur Express has been extended to serve the tourism hub of Jaisalmer.

• Train No. 20486 (Sabarmati-Jaisalmer): Departing Sabarmati at 7:00 AM, it will reach Jodhpur at 2:40 PM and arrive in Jaisalmer at 8:30 PM.
• Train No. 20485 (Jaisalmer-Sabarmati): Departing Jaisalmer at 6:30 AM, it will reach Jodhpur at 11:40 AM and reach Sabarmati at 8:00 PM.

New Infrastructure and Maintenance Facilities

A state-of-the-art Coach Care Complex, built at a cost of ₹67 crore in Jaisalmer, was also inaugurated. This facility will enhance the maintenance capacity for trains, allowing for the operation of more rail services and ensuring better amenities for passengers.

A Decade of Railway Transformation in Rajasthan

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the unprecedented financial commitment to Rajasthan’s railway sector:

• Record Budgeting: The current budgetary allocation for railway development in Rajasthan has surged to approximately ₹10,000 crore, compared to the historical average of ₹700–800 crore.
• Ongoing Projects: Doubling work is progressing rapidly on key sections, including Dhangra-Bandikui, Ajmer-Chittorgarh, Luni-Bhildi, and Rewari-Khatuwas.
• Future Outlook: Plans are underway to launch a new Jodhpur-Haridwar rail service within the next 10 months. Furthermore, 25 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are being developed across the state to streamline trade and logistics.

Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat noted that Indian Railways is evolving into a world-class network. He emphasized that the redevelopment of railway stations—such as the Pink City-themed Jaipur station and the redeveloped Jaisalmer station—is transforming these transport hubs into major attractions for tourists.

Disclaimer: This report is based on official government press releases and public information. For real-time updates regarding train schedules, route modifications, or ticket bookings, passengers are advised to consult the official Indian Railways website or the ‘NTES’ mobile application.