Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated and launched several major railway projects for western Rajasthan during his visit to Jodhpur . This will significantly improve rail connectivity, passenger amenities, and tourism in the area.
The announcements included the expansion of the Jodhpur–Delhi Cantt Vande Bharat Express, the extension of the Sabarmati–Jodhpur Superfast Express to Jaisalmer, and the introduction of the new Bhuj–Delhi Express service from Jalore.
Railway Minister Inaugurates Coaching Terminal
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event. The most notable part of the event was expanding the Jodhpur–Delhi CanttVande Bharat Express from eight coaches to 20. This will increase passenger capacity from 530 to 1,440 seats.
Railway officials expect this change to help reduce long waiting times on the busy Delhi route. The updated train now has 16 coaches with 78 seats each, two coaches with 44 seats, and two coaches with 52 seats.
New Terminal at Bhagat Ki Kothi Maintenance Depot
The Railway Minister also inaugurated a modern Coach Care Complex at Jaisalmer Railway Station via video conferencing. This new facility will offer train cleaning and maintenance services in Jaisalmer, improving efficiency and supporting tourism in the desert city.
During the event, the extension of the Sabarmati–Jodhpur Superfast Express to Jaisalmer was announced and flagged off, enhancing direct rail connections between Gujarat and western Rajasthan. The Railway Ministry also approved the creation of a major coaching terminal at Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway Station, with an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore.
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