The Rajasthan government’s Khatu Shyam rail line will begin construction of the Sundarpura station in the 2027‑28 fiscal year, officials said, as part of a broader plan to build nine new stations along the 120‑kilometre corridor that connects the pilgrimage town of Khatu Shyam with the state’s rail network.
The project, approved in 2022, aims to improve regional connectivity and boost tourism to the Khatu Shyam temple, a major draw for devotees from across northern India. The new Sundarpura stop will be situated between the existing Khatu Shyam and Bhopalgarh stations, and is expected to serve the surrounding villages of Sundarpura, Bhanpura and nearby agricultural areas.
State transport minister Suresh Pujari announced that the construction contract for Sundarpura will be awarded through a public‑private partnership model, with an estimated cost of ₹150 crore. The minister said the work will commence after the completion of land acquisition and clearances, slated for the next financial year.
In addition to Sundarpura, the plan includes nine more stations — including new halts at Bhanpura, Nadiad, Rani Bai, and Shahpura — that will be built in phases. The Rajasthan Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation (RRIDC) will oversee the rollout, targeting full operational status for the entire line by 2030.
The railway line is expected to reduce travel time between Jaipur and Khatu Shyam from six hours by road to around three hours by train, according to a feasibility study submitted by the RRIDC. Local business groups have welcomed the proposal, citing potential growth in hospitality, retail and ancillary services.
However, some residents have raised concerns about land acquisition and possible displacement. The district collector’s office has pledged to provide compensation in line with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, but details remain pending.
Analysis:
The timing of the Sundarpura station’s construction aligns with the Rajasthan government’s broader push to expand rail infrastructure ahead of the 2027 state elections, where improved transport links are a key campaign promise. By framing the Khatu Shyam line as a tourism‑driven development, officials may be seeking to secure both central government funding and private investment.
The public‑private partnership approach could accelerate construction but also shifts some fiscal risk to private partners, who will likely seek revenue guarantees or higher fare structures. If the projected travel‑time savings and tourism boost materialize, the line could become a model for similar regional projects. Conversely, delays in land acquisition or community opposition could inflate costs and postpone the line’s completion, undermining the stated economic benefits.
Sources
Indian Express. “Khatu Shyam rail project: Sundarpura station construction to begin next year; 9 new stations planned to boost connectivity.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/khatu-shyam-rail-project-sundarpura-station-9-new-stations-rajasthan-10769980/
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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