During an event at Bikaner railway station, Vaishnaw highlighted the persistent demand for improved rail links in the region, asserting that the new train service would be advantageous for passengers in Bikaner and surrounding districts.
He emphasized that improved connectivity would facilitate trade, tourism, and other economic activities, making travel between cities simpler and more efficient.
केंद्रीय राज्य मंत्री श्री @arjunrammeghwal जी के साथ बीकानेर (लालगढ़)–अमदावाद (साबरमती) एक्सप्रेस ट्रेन को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया।
???? ठहराव: अमदावाद, मेहसाना, पाटन, भीलड़ी, धानेरा, रानीवाड़ा, मारवाड़ भीनमाल, मोदरान, जालोर, मोकलसर, समदड़ी, लूनी, जोधपुर, गोटन, मेड़ता रोड,… pic.twitter.com/N9HaQR6nU1
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 21, 2026
The minister also mentioned that over ₹76,800 crore is currently invested in railway projects within Rajasthan.
He added that more than 1,300 railway stations nationwide are undergoing redevelopment through the Amrit Station Scheme.
“Redevelopment at Bikaner, Lalgarh, Nokha, Sadulpur, Churu, and Ratangarh stations is advancing swiftly,” he stated.
Vaishnaw noted that the redevelopment initiatives in Rajasthan reflect the local art and culture.
He indicated that projects related to new railway lines, doubling, and gauge conversion are underway in the state, which will allow for additional train services upon completion. Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are also in development to bolster industry and trade.
The minister highlighted that several new trains, such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and various express services, have been launched in recent years from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Jaipur.
Regarding a proposed service between Bikaner and Chandigarh, Vaishnaw mentioned that railway officials have been instructed to finalize the route quickly for prompt operations.
He noted that railway line construction in border regions is prioritized and will be executed in phases.
On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, the minister stated that it is anticipated to begin operations in 2027.
Vaishnaw remarked that budget allocations for the railways in Rajasthan have seen a significant increase under the Narendra Modi government, asserting the Centre’s commitment to development.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was also in attendance.
According to railway officials, the new Bikaner (Lalgarh)-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) service will benefit passengers in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, and Banaskantha districts of Gujarat, as well as in Jalore, Balotra, Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan.
