Train journeys to Khatu Shyamji temple in Rajasthan's Sikar district are set to get easier, with railway officials confirming visible movement on a long-awaited station project. North Western Railway General Manager Pankaj Sharma visited the land earmarked in Sundarpura village for the proposed Khatu Shyamji railway station and reviewed the project's progress with officials, signalling that construction work would begin soon.
What the inspection covered
During the visit, the General Manager examined the layout map of the proposed station and held detailed discussions with railway officials on construction preparations. He also met local public representatives, former MP Sumedhanand Saraswati, and villagers to gather details on the station's exact location, its distance from the Khatu Shyamji temple, and the roads pilgrims currently use to reach the shrine. The engagement made clear how seriously the railway is treating the project.
Where the station will come up
The new station will be built in Sundarpura village, in the Palsana block of Sikar district, close to the Jaipur-Sikar national highway. It will sit roughly 11 kilometres from the Khatu Shyamji temple. The most distinctive feature will be its design, styled after the architecture of the Baba Shyam temple, so pilgrims get a sense of devotion the moment they step off the train.
Easing the load on Reengus, adding new routes
Right now, Reengus railway station is the only major option for pilgrims arriving by train. During fairs and special occasions, crowds swell so much that the railway has to run extra special trains, since lakhs of pilgrims can arrive at Reengus station on a single day. Once the Sundarpura station is functional, this pressure on Reengus is expected to ease considerably. To help pilgrims, two routes have been proposed from the station to the temple: one runs via Manda Road straight to the temple, a distance of about 11 to 12 kilometres, while the other passes through the Palsana bypass and the villages of Govati, Dukiya and Sanwalpura before reaching the temple, giving travellers an alternative path.
A project worth around Rs 32 crore
The station is expected to cost around Rs 32 crore to build. Planned facilities include a double track, two platforms, a large waiting hall, ticket booking and reservation counters, a cloak room, and extensive parking. The station forms a key part of the 17.49-kilometre Reengus-Khatu Shyam new rail line project, which is also expected to speed up development in the surrounding villages.
Approval is in, land acquisition is next
The Railway Board has already approved the project, and the survey and DPR (detailed project report) work has been completed. Construction will begin as soon as the land acquisition process is finished. The station's location had earlier been shifted following local opposition, and Sundarpura has now been finalised as the site. The railway is aiming to complete all the necessary formalities within the next 10 to 12 months and push construction ahead at a fast pace.
