Jaipur's Gandhinagar and Khatipura stations to be renamed; Vaishnaw announces new trains

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced a series of measures to strengthen Jaipur's rail infrastructure including the proposed renaming of two major stations, launch of new train services and creation of a large maintenance hub. He said the changes are aimed at easing travel, boosting connectivity and supporting industries in Rajasthan, IANS reported.

Stations likely to get new names

Vaishnaw said Gandhinagar and Khatipura railway stations in Jaipur will be renamed to avoid confusion with places of the same name elsewhere. Gandhinagar station would become Jaipur Gandhinagar and Khatipura would be called Jaipur Khatipura.

"Passengers often confuse Jaipur's Gandhinagar with Gujarat's Gandhinagar. Adding the city's name will make identification clearer," the minister said, inviting suggestions from citizens and elected representatives on the proposal.

Addressing a programme of Laghu Udyog Bharti in Jaipur, Vaishnaw announced an electronics manufacturing programme that will train 5,000 young people in collaboration with the organisation.

He also said a new integration centre to be developed jointly by the Centre and the state will connect startups with the railway sector. The facility will help entrepreneurs with mentorship and investor support, he added and will be operational in the coming months.

Expansion of rail facilities in Jaipur

Earlier in the day, Vaishnaw inspected Khatipura railway station where he reviewed the Integrated Coach Complex and Rail Coach Restaurant. He also examined plans for a coach maintenance facility that is under development.

The Union Minister said Jaipur will soon have a large-scale maintenance hub capable of servicing 12 to 18 trains at a time including Vande Bharat services. 

The facility, he said would help launch new trains from Jaipur and significantly expand the city's role as a regional railway hub.

New train services in the pipeline

The minister confirmed that a new Vande Bharat Express between Jodhpur and Delhi will start shortly, while another connecting Bikaner to Delhi is also on the way. The Ministry of Railway is also considering an overnight service from Delhi to Jaisalmer which Vaishnaw said would give a major push to tourism in the desert region.

Highlighting broader plans for the state, Vaishnaw said cargo and multipurpose terminals are being planned to support industries. He also highlighed that fencing along railway tracks is being strengthened and major cities will soon become gate-free, reducing congestion and improving safety.
“A plan for the entire state has been finalised and will be rolled out in the next two to three months. This will provide long-term relief to the public,” the minister said. During his visit, Vaishnaw was accompanied by Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma, Jaipur Greater Mayor Soumya Gurjar, Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairawa and Cabinet Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.