Jaipur, June 11 (IANS). Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnav, while interacting with the media in Jaipur on Thursday, said that the Central Government has taken several important steps for railway development, better connectivity and strengthening of modern technical infrastructure in Rajasthan. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajasthan has received unprecedented investment in the railway sector, due to which rail facilities are expanding rapidly in the state.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that before 2014, the railway budget for Rajasthan used to be around Rs 600 crore. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this budget was continuously increased and today Rajasthan is getting a record allocation of Rs 10,228 crore for Railways.
He said that this increased investment has directly benefited the passengers and railway infrastructure of the state. Work is going on at a rapid pace on modernization of the railway network and new projects in Rajasthan.
Speaking to the media, the Union Minister said that there are about 450 railway stations in Rajasthan, out of which the work of raising platforms, increasing the length of platforms, developing full sheds and other modern facilities for passengers is going on at a rapid pace at more than 200 stations.
Apart from this, around 85 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The work of Jaipur Railway Station is also progressing at a fast pace, and it is being equipped with modern facilities.
Vaishnav further said that Rajasthan has got many new train services in the last few years. New Amrit Bharat and Express trains have been started operating from various cities including Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
He told that the Darbhanga-Ajmer train service started on the demand of Jaipur MP is also going to get big relief soon. This train, which is currently operating on a weekly basis, will be converted into a daily service within the next two months, which will provide great convenience to the passengers.
The Union Minister said that the Central Government is giving special priority to the development of railways and other infrastructure in the border areas. Work is being done at a rapid pace on better connectivity and development projects in the border areas of Rajasthan, which will strengthen the area not only for the local people but also from the strategic point of view.
Vaishnav said that modern technical facilities will be further strengthened in Malviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) located in Jaipur. There is a plan to develop a state-of-the-art lab related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology and Semiconductor here.
He said that these facilities will provide the youth with better information and training on new technologies, so that they can be prepared for the technological challenges and opportunities of the future.
The Union Minister also said that work will also be done on the expansion of AI data center and related facilities in Jaipur, which will give Rajasthan a new identity in the digital and technology sector and will also increase employment and investment opportunities in the state.
Ashwini Vaishnav said that the central government aims not only to expand the infrastructure but also to take Rajasthan to new heights of development through modern technology, better connectivity and new employment opportunities. Investment in railways, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies will play an important role in strengthening the future of the state.
–IANS
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