During an event at Bikaner railway station, Vaishnaw remarked on the long-held demand for improved rail services in the area, stating that the new train would serve passengers from Bikaner and nearby districts.
He noted that improved connectivity would foster trade, tourism, and economic activities, making intercity travel more accessible and convenient.
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 mentioned that railway projects valued at over ₹76,800 crore are currently in progress in Rajasthan.
Additionally, he noted that more than 1,300 railway stations are undergoing redevelopment across the country under the Amrit Station Scheme.
“Redevelopment efforts at Bikaner, Lalgarh, Nokha, Sadulpur, Churu, and Ratangarh stations are advancing swiftly,” he stated.
Vaishnaw indicated that the station redevelopment initiatives in Rajasthan are aligned with local art and culture.
He added that projects involving new railway lines, doubling, and gauge conversion are underway in the state, which will enable additional train services upon completion. Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are also under development to bolster industry and trade, he noted.
The minister highlighted that various new trains, such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and other express services, have been launched in recent years from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Jaipur.
Discussing a proposed train service between Bikaner and Chandigarh, Vaishnaw stated that railway officials have been instructed to finalize the route to initiate operations as soon as possible.
Moreover, he mentioned that railway line construction projects in border areas are being prioritized and will be completed in phases.
Regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, the minister stated that operations are expected to commence in 2027.
Vaishnaw remarked that the railway budget allocation for Rajasthan has seen substantial increases under the Narendra Modi government, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to development.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was also part of the event.
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 Jalore, Balotra, Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan.
