Addressing the local public, PM Narendra Modi brought cheers to the residents as he flagged off the first heritage train in Rajasthan. This occurred in the heart of Jodhpur on a special Thursday that will now be inscribed in the history of this vibrant and culturally rich state. 

The Heritage Special-Marwar Express

The Heritage Special-Marwar Express as it's duly named, will journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Marwar region. This service operates between Marwar Junction Railway Station in the Pali district and Kamlighat Railway Station in the Rajsamand district. The launch saw the presence of prominent faces such as Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari, other senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, Jodhpur DRM Geetika Pandey, and Ajmer Mandal DRM Rajeev Dhankar. 

"The train will show views of beautiful valleys like Goram Ghat, which is called the mini-Kashmir of Rajasthan, and the Bhil Beri waterfall falling from the highest place."

Train Schedule and Fare 

The train, having a very distinct heritage look, owing to its spiral-shaped winding tunnel bridge, is also the state's first to run on the only meter gauge track. The Heritage Express train is scheduled to run 4 days a week with the fare fixed at Rs 2,000. Starting from Marwar Junction, it will reach Kamlighat via Goram Ghat Fulad in nine hours, providing passengers with an exciting and scenic journey. The train will depart from Marwar Junction at 8:30 am and reach Kamlighat at 3:30 pm where it takes a break for two-and-a-half hours before beginning its return journey at 5:30 pm. 

PM Modi's Developmental Initiatives in Rajasthan

In addition to this, PM Modi also announced multiple developmental projects for the progress of Rajasthan. These initiatives consisted of a new 350-bed trauma center and a critical care hospital block at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur. He also laid the foundation stone for the development of a new Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, which is to be built at a total cost of Rs 480 crore. Furthermore, he dedicated the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur campus to the nation. 

Another train service, the Runicha Express, connecting Jaisalmer to Delhi was also launched by the Prime Minister. Two other rail projects were given to the nation by PM Modi, which included projects for doubling the 145 km long 'Degana-Rai Ka Bagh' rail line and the 58 km long 'Degana-Kuchaman City' rail line. 

During his address, Modi praised the north-western state saying, 

"Rajasthan is a state where the pride of ancient India can be seen and India's valor, prosperity and culture are reflected."

The prime minister also launched a range of road development initiatives and facilities at the Rajasthan Central University campus.

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