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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has flagged off the new Bikaner (Lalgarh)-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) Special train from Bikaner, introducing a direct rail link aimed at improving connectivity between key districts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The service, launched in the past week, is expected to support passenger movement, trade, tourism and regional economic activity across the two states. During the inauguration, the minister highlighted that railway projects worth more than INR 76,800 crore are currently under implementation in Rajasthan, alongside station redevelopment works under the Amrit Station Scheme. The new train will serve districts including Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan and Banaskantha in Gujarat, and Jalore, Balotra, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Bikaner in Rajasthan. The launch forms part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to expand connectivity and infrastructure across the region.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday flagged off the new Bikaner (Lalgarh)-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) Special train from Bikaner, Rajasthan, stating that the service would improve rail connectivity between Rajasthan and Gujarat while supporting trade, tourism and economic activity across the region. The train was launched in response to a long-standing demand for enhanced rail links and is expected to benefit passengers from Bikaner and neighbouring districts.
Addressing a function at Bikaner railway station, Vaishnaw said improved connectivity would make travel more convenient while facilitating business and commercial activities between the two states. Railway officials indicated that the service would particularly benefit travellers from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan and Banaskantha districts in Gujarat, along with Jalore, Balotra, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Bikaner districts in Rajasthan.
The daily service will cover approximately 740 km and connect several important urban and regional centres along its route. Major stoppages include Sabarmati, Mehsana, Patan, Bhildi, Dhanera, Raniwara, Marwar Bhinmal, Modran, Jalore, Mokalsar, Samdari, Luni, Jodhpur, Gotan, Merta Road, Nagaur, Nokha, Bikaner and Lalgarh. Railway authorities said the train would provide a direct travel option for students, professionals, traders and tourists moving between the two states.
During the event, Vaishnaw highlighted the scale of ongoing railway investment in Rajasthan, stating that projects worth more than INR 76,800 crore are currently under execution across the state. He noted that infrastructure works involving new railway lines, track doubling and gauge conversion were progressing and would enable the introduction of additional train services upon completion.
The minister also referred to the Amrit Station Scheme, under which more than 1,300 railway stations across the country are being redeveloped. In Rajasthan, redevelopment works are underway at Bikaner, Lalgarh, Nokha, Sadulpur, Churu and Ratangarh stations. According to Vaishnaw, the projects are being implemented with designs that reflect local culture and architectural heritage.
He further stated that Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals were being developed to strengthen freight movement and support industrial and commercial activity. Vaishnaw added that several new services, including Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and other express trains, had been introduced from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Jaipur in recent years as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity.
The minister also said railway officials had been instructed to finalise the route for a proposed Bikaner-Chandigarh train service at the earliest. Referring to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, he stated that operations on the project were expected to commence in 2027. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was present at the inauguration ceremony.
Source - PTI
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