New Delhi : Jaipur: In Rajasthan, survey work is underway for new railway lines along the India–Pakistan border, with proposed routes including Anupgarh–Khajuwala–Jaisalmer and Barmer–Bhildi.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that these proposed lines, running parallel to the international border, are aimed at strengthening defence mobility, improving connectivity, and promoting development in border regions.
According to officials, the final location survey is currently in progress for the Anupgarh–Khajuwala–Jaisalmer route and the Jaisalmer–Barmer–Bhildi (via Barmer) corridor. The projects are being executed in phases, with preliminary and survey-related work already underway on the proposed alignments.
The Minister said that once completed, these railway lines will significantly improve the rapid movement of armed forces and enhance supply chain logistics, thereby strengthening security infrastructure in border areas. The projects are also expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in districts such as Jaisalmer and Barmer, contributing to broader regional development.
Officials added that the Indian Railways is prioritising infrastructure projects in sensitive border regions.
As per the fact file, the proposed Jaisalmer–Bhildi (via Barmer) line is approximately 380 km long, while the Khajuwala–Jaisalmer line spans about 260 km, with final location surveys currently progressing at a fast pace.
After completion of the survey work, the project will move to the next stage of detailed planning and construction approval.