Jaipur: Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Sunday announced a new railway station at Sundarpura in Sikar district, providing a major boost to rail connectivity for devotees visiting the Khatu Shyamji shrine.Located about 11 km from the temple and adjacent to a national highway, the proposed station is expected to improve access to one of Rajasthan’s busiest pilgrimage destinations.Addressing a function after flagging off the Khatipura (Jaipur)-Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express from Khatipura station, Vaishnaw said land for the project was already identified and construction of the station would be completed within 12 months. He also unveiled the proposed design of the station.Currently, most pilgrims travelling by train to Khatu Shyamji alight at Reengas and cover the remaining distance by road. The new station is expected to reduce travel time and provide a more convenient rail link for devotees.During the programme, Vaishnaw also inaugurated the Rs 205-crore Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura. Equipped with AI-based inspection and maintenance systems, the facility is expected to improve train maintenance standards and operational efficiency. The terminal includes modern infrastructure such as undergear scanning systems, synchronised coach-lifting equipment, bogie-drop pit machines and an automatic coach-washing plant.The railway minister also announced a new pit line at Sikar railway station to strengthen train cleaning, maintenance and inspection facilities and support future expansion of rail services.Accompanied by chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, deputy chief minister Diya Kumari and Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, Vaishnaw flagged off the Jaipur-Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express.North Western Railway CPRO Amit Sudarshan said the train will operate six days a week with eight sleeper and 11 general coaches, improving connectivity between Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
