Railway Projects to Transform Rajasthan Border Areas

06 Apr 2026 CW Team

The Ministry of Railways has launched three major projects aimed at revamping railway connectivity in Rajasthan's border areas to stimulate economic activity and improve access. The schemes will lay new lines across key districts including Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer and are intended to strengthen regional infrastructure and support local economies. Officials indicated that the measures form part of a broader effort to integrate remote border communities with national transport networks.

The Anupgarh-Khajuwala line, spanning 187 kilometres (km), has a detailed project report ready and is awaiting approvals, according to the North Western Railway's public relations office. The estimated cost of the line is Rs 22,770 mn and the route is expected to link Anupgarh, near the Pakistan border, with Bikaner to improve strategic connections and logistical resilience. The project has been prioritised to address long standing demands for rail access in districts that remain heavily reliant on road transport.

Further schemes include the Jaisalmer-Barmer-Bhiladi line, projected at 380 km, and the Khajuwala-Jaisalmer line, projected at 260 km, both designed to expand coverage across sparsely served areas. Planners anticipate that improved rail links will facilitate movement of goods, lower transport costs and open up markets for agricultural and mineral producers in the border belt. Local stakeholders have argued that such infrastructure investment is essential for sustained economic development and enhanced connectivity.

The Railway Minister emphasised in a parliamentary session that the projects carry strategic importance and will bolster both defence logistics and regional trade. Officials said that the timelines remain subject to statutory approvals and funding confirmations but that the initiatives mark a significant policy focus on border area development. The initiatives are expected to complement other state and central programmes aimed at balanced regional growth.

Infrastructure Urban

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