Indian Railways has officially greenlit the construction of a new railway station, Sundarpura (Khatu Shyamji), located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. This strategic development aims to streamline travel for the millions of devotees who visit the famous Khatu Shyam Ji temple annually. The project falls under the jurisdiction of the North Western Railway (NWR) Jaipur Division and promises to significantly enhance regional rail accessibility.
Key highlights of the new railway project include:
- Strategic Location: The station will be built on the Sikar-Ringas rail section, positioned between Palsana and Bawadi Thikaria stations.
- Reduced Distance: Once operational, the station will be just 11-12.3 kilometers from the Khatu Shyam Ji temple, shortening the trip compared to the current 17-kilometer route from Ringas.
- Project Timeline and Cost: The project is estimated to cost ₹20 crore, with construction scheduled to begin within eight to nine months and a completion timeline of 12 months thereafter.
- Modern Infrastructure: The station building will reflect Rajasthan’s traditional architecture while offering modern amenities such as a booking office and comfortable waiting halls.
Focus on Enhanced Passenger Experience
This development is a key component of the broader Sikar-Ringas doubling project, which is designed to handle increasing passenger traffic efficiently. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has personally inspected the site, underscoring the government’s commitment to the project. Initially, the facility will function as a halt station before undergoing future upgrades to handle higher passenger volumes.
The initiative follows collaborative efforts between the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple Trust and local representatives, including former MP Sumedhanand Saraswati and Rajasthan State Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra. Beyond this station, the Railways has ambitious plans to develop nine new stations as part of the Khatu Shyam Ji-Salasar-Sujangarh rail line project. Furthermore, to support the increased rail traffic, a new pit line has been sanctioned at Sikar railway station to improve train cleaning, maintenance, and inspection operations. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the spiritual tourism circuit in Rajasthan receives the necessary infrastructural support to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers.