Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the newly redeveloped Jaisalmer Railway Station on Friday under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The station, revamped at a cost of nearly Rs 140 crore, seamlessly blends Jaisalmer’s historic architecture with modern passenger facilities. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Jaisalmer MLA Chhotu Singh Bhati will be present at the inauguration ceremony.
The station’s new three-storey structure, built using Jaisalmer’s renowned golden-yellow sandstone, mirrors a traditional palace design while upholding the city’s architectural legacy. Hitesh Yadav, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Jodhpur), mentioned that the redevelopment aims to showcase Jaisalmer’s cultural heritage alongside contemporary amenities for travelers. The upgraded station boasts advanced features such as 10 lifts, 10 escalators, new foot overbridges, a spacious waiting lounge, and extensive platform roofing for passenger comfort.
Apart from enhanced passenger services, the station offers facilities like dedicated spaces for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers, improved entry and exit gates for smoother flow, and provisions for commercial activities. With plans for a rail coach restaurant and leasing commercial areas to private enterprises, the station is poised to elevate the overall visitor experience. Railway officials anticipate an annual revenue of around Rs 50 lakh from commercial operations and station services.
Tourism entrepreneur Mayank Bhatia of the Priya Group expressed optimism that the redevelopment would significantly elevate the travel experience for the multitude of tourists, both domestic and international, visiting Jaisalmer annually. The blend of improved amenities, heritage charm, and new commercial ventures is expected to bolster the tourism sector and local businesses alike. Jaisalmer station is part of the 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations that PM Modi will inaugurate nationwide, with five stations from Rajasthan included in the initiative.
