Jodhpur, May 23: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian Railways has evolved from merely a transportation service to the country’s “lifeline.”
While addressing the inauguration of the Jodhpur-Delhi Cant Vande Bharat Express and other railway services, Shekhawat highlighted that the Marwar and western Rajasthan regions have received substantial railway project investments aligned with Modi’s vision for a digital, secure, and modern India.
He noted that delays and disorganization in Indian Railways were once commonplace, with many praising modern trains abroad. However, in the past 12 years, Prime Minister Modi has completely transformed this perception.
Shekhawat emphasized that thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, modern trains comparable to those in the USA, Japan, France, and Switzerland are now operating in Jodhpur as Vande Bharat Express.
He referenced the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Safe India’ initiatives, stating that the indigenous railway safety system, ‘Kavach,’ symbolizes the government’s strong political will. This modern technology can prevent train collisions in case of human error or technical failure, ensuring safety for over 20 million daily passengers nationwide.
The Union Minister mentioned that the Vande Bharat train departing from Jodhpur has received unprecedented support from passengers. Consequently, following the Prime Minister’s directive, the number of coaches has been increased from 8 to 20.
He also shared that the Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station is being developed as a modern mega terminus under the station redevelopment plan. This will enable direct rail connectivity from Jodhpur to southern cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune, greatly benefiting the migrant population in the Marwar region.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat concluded by stating that Jodhpur has now become one of the select railway hubs in the country, equipped with facilities for maintaining next-generation trains.
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