The Ministry of Railways has fast-tracked three major rail line projects in Rajasthan covering a total distance of 827 km. These projects are designed to improve connectivity in the strategic border areas of the state. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared updates on these developments during the parliamentary sessions regarding budgetary grants for the upcoming fiscal year.
Current status of the 827 km rail projects
The development involves three distinct routes that will change the transport landscape of western Rajasthan. The Anupgarh-Bikaner line is 187 km long and its Detailed Project Report is already prepared for further action. This line is expected to cost approximately 2,277 crore rupees. The Jaisalmer-Bhabhar route via Barmer covers 380 km and is currently in the Final Location Survey stage. The third project is the 260 km Khajuwala-Jaisalmer line which is also undergoing survey processes to determine the exact alignment.
Budget and infrastructure impact in Rajasthan
The central government has allocated 10,228 crore rupees for Rajasthan in the 2026-27 budget to support various railway works. Total projects worth 90,659 crore rupees are active in the state which include station redevelopment and safety upgrades. These new border lines will assist in the movement of goods and help the military with logistics in remote regions. North Western Railway officials stated that these lines will create new economic opportunities for the local residents by improving access to major cities.
| Feature | Project Data |
|---|---|
| Total New Lines | 827 KM |
| State Budget Allocation | ₹10,228 Crore |
| Anupgarh-Bikaner Line | 187 KM |
| Jaisalmer-Bhabhar Line | 380 KM |
| Khajuwala-Jaisalmer Line | 260 KM |