The decades-old dream of the villagers is going to come true on Wednesday, when train operations will resume from Rashidpura-Khori railway station after a gap of 22 years. This historic moment has become a matter of pride and excitement for the villagers and passengers, because now the train is going to leave for the first time from this station which was closed for a long time.
The history of Rashidpura‑Khori station began around 1942, but it was closed in 2004 due to losses. After the closure of the station, nearby villagers faced traffic difficulties. As the number of passengers fell, the utility of the station also declined, due to which it remained cut off from the rail network for many years.
The villagers had taken a unique initiative to connect the station to the running railway network even when it was closed. In 2009, seeing the demand and dedication of the local people, the railway administration decided to temporarily reopen the station, but for this the villagers themselves had to fulfill certain conditions. These included generating a monthly income of Rs 40,000 to ensure the operation of the station.
Local villagers launched a public awareness campaign for this and collected donations from their resources. Posters were put up in every village, people were motivated to travel by train and the necessary facilities at the station were taken care of themselves. Due to this dedication and effort, the operation of the station continued successfully at the local level for many years and became an example for all.
In 2015, the Railway Department, seeing this successful initiative, decided to upgrade the station and convert it into a hi‑tech crossing station at a cost of approximately Rs 20 crore. Since then, this station has been equipped with modern facilities and is again ready for the use of passengers.
Now on the occasion of Holi, special train will start operating from this station. Kota‑Rashidpura‑Khori Holi Special (09803) train will depart from Kota on 25th February and reach the station at 5:20 am. After this, on 26th February at 6:55 am, this train will leave on its bustling journey back to Kota. The operation of this special train is scheduled on the same pattern on March 4 and 5.
This step is being considered as the beginning of a big change for local farmers and travelers. The farmers concerned in Rashidpura and Khori areas considered lack of rail facility as a major problem for onion trading activities. Now regular train stops will improve both business and daily commute. At the same time, along with providing facilities to the villagers of nearby villages, it will also help in establishing better connectivity with other cities.
The local people have appreciated the efforts of the railway administration and their Sangharsh Samiti members. He believes that this is not just a train plough, but the victory of their hard work, unity and strong will. After 22 years, this station will again run on track and will add new energy to the lives of the people of this region and the rural transport scenario.
