New Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) Rail Service has been named ‘Swarn Nagari Express’

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the inaugural special train of the new Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) rail service from Jaisalmer station on November 29, 2025.

Launch Event:
- Flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat from Jaisalmer station.
- The train has been named Swarn Nagari Express in response to public sentiment.

Route & Connectivity:
- Connects Jaisalmer to Delhi (Shakur Basti).
- Major stops include Ramdevra, Jodhpur, Makrana, Jaipur, and Alwar, strengthening links between Rajasthan and the national capital.

Benefits:
- Daily service to support soldiers, tourists, traders, students, and residents.
- Improves access to medical and educational facilities.
- Boosts tourism and regional economic growth.

Railway Development in Rajasthan:
- ₹55,000 crore worth of railway projects currently underway.
- Annual budget allocation for Rajasthan increased from ~₹680 crore (pre-2014) to nearly ₹10,000 crore.
- Redevelopment of 85 stations in Rajasthan with an investment of ~₹4,000 crore.
- Jaisalmer station redevelopment completed at a cost of ₹140 crore.

Future Plans:
- Proposal for new lines in border areas (Anupgarh–Khajuwala–Bikaner–Jaisalmer–Barmer–Bhabhar) to aid both civilians and armed forces.
- Construction of a second entry gate at Jaisalmer station.
- Track renewal prioritized between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
- Expansion of services with six pairs of Vande Bharat trains and one Amrit Bharat train already operating in Rajasthan.

Big Picture
The Swarn Nagari Express is more than just a train — it’s a symbol of Rajasthan’s integration with India’s rapid railway modernization. By connecting desert cities to Delhi, it enhances tourism, trade, and strategic mobility, while showcasing the government’s commitment to infrastructure growth.