Jaisalmer: The ministry of railways has decided to develop new railway lines along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan in a phased manner, with the aim of strengthening strategic infrastructure and improving connectivity in remote border regions.Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha Tuesday that final location surveys are underway for proposed routes, including the Anupgarh–Khajuwala–Jaisalmer line and the Jaisalmer–Barmer–Bhiladi (via Barmer) route. He said the lines are being planned along the border to strengthen connectivity in border areas and provide strategic advantages, including faster troop movement and improved logistical supply chains for the armed forces. The expansion is also expected to support socio-economic development in remote areas, with regions such as Jaisalmer and Barmer likely to see growth in tourism, trade and employment opportunities after completion. He said such infrastructure projects in border areas are being given high priority by Railways. The proposed network is set to connect Anupgarh, Bikaner, Khajuwala, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bhiladi, extending up to Bhabhar in Gujarat. The Jaisalmer–Bhabhar/Bhiladi route is planned to span about 380 kilometre, while the Khajuwala–Jaisalmer line is expected to cover around 260 kilometre.
