Jaipur's Railway Network Set for Major Transformation with Decentralized Terminal System
In a strategic move to combat escalating congestion at Jaipur Junction, the North Western Railway (NWR) has officially announced comprehensive plans for a decentralized railway terminal system. This ambitious initiative focuses on enhancing key suburban stations across the city, including Khatipura, Gandhi Nagar, Sanganer, and Dehar Ka Balaji, transforming them into fully functional terminal stations equipped to manage heightened passenger volumes and expanded train operations.
Addressing Critical Congestion at Jaipur Junction
Currently, Jaipur Junction stands as one of the region's busiest railway hubs, handling approximately 268 trains daily and accommodating a staggering footfall exceeding 200,000 passengers. With passenger numbers on a steady upward trajectory, NWR is proactively implementing upgrades to surrounding stations to facilitate additional train stoppages and bolster operational efficiency.
Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of NWR, emphasized the urgency of these developments in a statement on Friday. "The congestion challenges at Jaipur Junction are becoming increasingly pronounced. Strengthening and upgrading our surrounding stations is essential to distribute passenger traffic more evenly across the city and enhance overall service quality," he stated.
Detailed Upgrades Across Key Suburban Stations
The decentralization strategy is already yielding results at several locations. Gandhi Nagar railway station, a central component of this plan, has been upgraded to handle stoppages for 82 trains and currently serves nearly 14,000 passengers daily, significantly alleviating pressure on Jaipur Junction.
Khatipura railway station is poised to emerge as a major satellite terminal, with a substantial investment of nearly Rs 205 crore allocated for establishing a Coach Care Complex. This facility will enable maintenance for modern rolling stock, including Vande Bharat trains and LHB coaches. Presently, Khatipura caters to around 2,500 passengers each day.
At Dehar Ka Balaji railway station, situated on the Jaipur-Neem Ka Thana and Jaipur-Sikar routes, infrastructure enhancements are underway to better serve the daily influx of approximately 4,500 passengers across 26 trains. Key upgrades include the construction of a second station entrance at an estimated cost of Rs 13.5 crore, installation of lifts, and expansion of platform shelters.
On the Sanganer front, development plans are progressing under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an estimated investment of Rs 107 crore. These funds will facilitate the introduction of modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, improved waiting areas, and renovated station buildings.
Long-Term Vision with Mega Coaching Terminal Proposal
In addition to these immediate upgrades, NWR has proposed a visionary Mega Coaching Terminal at Bhatton Ki Gali, near Dehar Ka Balaji. This project involves a substantial investment forecast of around Rs 800 crore, underscoring a long-term commitment to revolutionizing railway infrastructure in the Jaipur region and ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.
