Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations in Rajasthan on July 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nationwide Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The event, held from Jalandhar Cantt in Punjab, saw the unveiling of upgraded facilities at Jaisalmer, Barmer, Gotan, Somasar, Dausa, Khairthal, Gangapur City, and Deeg. These upgrades are part of a larger government initiative to modernize 1,338 railway stations across India with world-class amenities and cultural integration.
- Stations inaugurated: Jaisalmer, Barmer, Gotan, Somasar, Dausa, Khairthal, Gangapur City, and Deeg.
- Jaisalmer upgrade: Revamped at a cost of 140 crore rupees with 10 lifts and 10 escalators.
- Barmer upgrade: Modernized at a cost of 18 crore rupees featuring local architectural elements.
- Statewide progress: 85 stations in Rajasthan are being developed at a total investment of 4,623 crore rupees.
- Current status: 16 stations have been completed in Rajasthan as of July 17, 2026.
Significant Infrastructure Boost for Rajasthan
The redevelopment of these stations focuses on enhancing passenger comfort, cleanliness, and ease of access. Jaisalmer Railway Station now boasts a stunning heritage aesthetic using the region’s iconic golden-yellow stone, perfectly blending tradition with modern passenger utility. Similarly, Barmer Railway Station has undergone a major transformation to improve accessibility and aesthetics, ensuring that the station serves as a modern gateway for the city.
During the ceremony at Gotan, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma noted that these developments are a testament to the transformative journey of Indian Railways over the last decade. He highlighted that the state currently operates five pairs of Vande Bharat Express services, reflecting the continuous expansion of high-speed rail connectivity in the region.
Future Connectivity and Vande Bharat Expansion
The event also sparked discussions regarding future connectivity. Former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, present at the Barmer inauguration, confirmed that efforts are actively underway to bring Vande Bharat train services to the Barmer region. This aligns with the national goal of expanding the semi-high-speed network, with 175 Vande Bharat trains already operational across the country.
According to Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway (NWR), the momentum for station development remains high. With 16 stations already completed, the remaining projects under the 4,623 crore rupee investment plan are expected to be fast-tracked to provide a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers across the state.