JAISALMER: The redevelopment of the world-famous tourist destination Jaisalmer Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore. Blending the city’s iconic heritage architecture with modern passenger amenities, the station is set to become a new landmark in western Rajasthan while offering world-class facilities to travellers.The exterior of the station building has been constructed using Jaisalmer’s famous golden-yellow sandstone, giving it a grand heritage appearance that reflects the city’s rich historical and cultural identity.According to Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, the new main station building has been developed as a G+2 structure covering approximately 8,327 square metres. The heritage-inspired façade, along with spacious entry and exit gates, enhances the station’s architectural appeal.To improve passenger convenience, the station has been equipped with 10 lifts, 10 escalators, two six-metre-wide foot overbridges connecting the platforms, a spacious air concourse, modern waiting halls, an expanded circulating area, organised parking facilities, disabled-friendly infrastructure, and a 480-square-metre commercial area. More than 10,000 square metres of modern platform shelters have also been installed across all three platforms to provide protection from extreme weather conditions.Keeping in view the heavy tourist influx during the peak tourism season, North Western Railway has successfully outsourced the operation of the station’s major commercial assets. These include kiosks, retiring rooms and dormitories, a waiting lounge and multipurpose hall adjoining the air concourse, and modern vehicle parking facilities.In addition, a rail coach restaurant and modern catering stalls have been developed within the station premises. Effective utilisation of these commercial assets is expected to generate approximately Rs 50 lakh in annual non-fare revenue for the Railways.Passenger safety has also been given top priority. A total of 219 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the station building and surrounding premises. The advanced surveillance system will continuously monitor suspicious activities and will be supervised by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), significantly strengthening security arrangements.Railway officials said the redevelopment marks a major step towards enhancing non-fare revenue through better utilisation of station assets while providing high-quality passenger services.The modern railway station is expected not only to offer world-class travel facilities but also to boost tourism, promote local trade, and accelerate economic activity in the tourism city of Jaisalmer.
