Rajasthan is set to get various rail projects, including a broad gauge line connecting holy city Nathdwara and a Shatabdi-like train between Jaipur and Udaipur.
"Nathdwara city is a holy place where lakhs of pilgrims visit every year. Since the nearest station Mandiana is 11 km away from the city, we have decided to connect the holy city with the construction of a broad gauge line," Railway Minister C P Joshi told PTI.
Nathdwara is famous for its 17th century Lord Krishna temple which houses the idol of Shrinathji -- the seven-year-old incarnation of Krishna.
Currently, pilgrims travel to the temple by road from Mandiana station which is 11 km away from the town. "A primary alignment has been identified to connect the temple town and a detailed survey will be undertaken soon to lay the broad gauge line. There will be a modern station at Nathdwara town," he said.
In order to facilitate faster mode of transport between Udaipur and Jaipur, Joshi said there will be a Shatabdi-like train for the two tourist destinations. "A decision has been taken to run Shatabdi-like train between Udaipur and Jaipur shortly."
Joshi has also sanctioned Rs 212.23 crore for conversion of 62 km-long narrow gauge line to broad gauge between Dholpur and Sarmathura. "The broad gauge line will be extended upto Gangapur city," he said.
The Rail Budget had announced for setting up a Rs 800 crore coach factory in Bhilwara, the Lok Sabha constituency of Joshi.
Railways have signed an agreement with Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd for setting up the coach factory and the state is providing land for it, Joshi said.
