The Railway Board has approved the Detailed Project Report for the doubling of the 170 km Merta Road to Bikaner rail section in Western Rajasthan. This infrastructure project carries an estimated cost of 1533 crore and aims to resolve long-standing congestion issues on the Jodhpur to Bikaner route. Following the board’s approval on April 9, 2026, the proposal was sent to NITI Aayog for final clearance before the official tender process starts.
Infrastructure improvements and station modernization
The project involves a complete overhaul of the existing railway infrastructure along the 172.72 km stretch. All stations between Merta Road and Bikaner will receive upgrades including raised platforms, new foot-over bridges, and improved subways for passenger convenience. The North Western Railway zone will manage the execution of these works which include electrification and the establishment of new operational facilities.
| Facility Type | Planned Upgrades |
|---|---|
| New Track Length | Approximately 170 Kilometers |
| New Block and Halt Stations | 2 Block Stations and 2 Halt Stations |
| Bridge Construction | 44 Small Bridges and 37 New RUBs |
| Existing RUB Expansion | 57 Road Under Bridges |
| Crossing Stations | Modernization of 12 Stations |
| Project Timeline | Completion within 4 years of start |
Expected benefits for passengers and train operations
The doubling of this track will significantly reduce travel time by removing the need for trains to wait for crossings on a single line. It will improve the punctuality of passenger trains and allow for faster movement of freight towards major hubs like Jaipur and Delhi. Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, noted that the project will bring substantial relief to commuters in the region once the work is completed.