The Rashidpura Khori railway station, one of the oldest and most unique stations in India, is set to undergo a major renovation and expansion project with a budget of Rs 24.27 crore. The project, which was approved by the Railway Board last month, aims to provide better facilities and services to the passengers and the villagers who run and maintain the station.
The Rashidpura Khori railway station was built by the British in 1923, as part of the Jaipur-Churu railway line1. The station served as a vital link for the villagers, who depended on it for their transportation, trade, and communication needs. The station also witnessed many historical events, such as the freedom struggle, the partition, and the Indo-Pak wars.
However, in 2005, the railway authorities decided to close down the station, citing low revenue and high maintenance costs. The villagers were shocked and dismayed by this decision, as they feared losing their lifeline and their identity. They appealed to the railway authorities to reconsider their decision but to no avail. They also approached the local politicians and the media, but they did not get any support or attention.
The villagers did not give up hope and decided to take matters into their own hands. They formed a committee and met with the railway officials, who agreed to reopen the station on one condition: The villagers had to generate a minimum revenue of Rs. 3 lakh per month from ticket sales, and take care of the station’s maintenance and security.
The villagers accepted the challenge and started working hard to revive the station. They collected funds from the villagers, hired staff, cleaned the station premises, repaired the tracks, installed lights, fans, and water coolers, painted the walls, and planted trees. They also promoted the station through social media, word-of-mouth, and local events. They managed to surpass the revenue target and attract more passengers and tourists to the station.
The railway authorities were impressed by the villagers’ efforts and decided to reward them with a new project to upgrade the station. The project will include the construction of a new platform, a foot overbridge, a waiting hall, a ticket counter, a toilet block, and a parking area. The project will also involve the beautification of the station with landscaping, murals, and sculptures. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The villagers are delighted by the news and are looking forward to the completion of the project. They hope that the project will not only improve the facilities and services at the station, but also boost the local economy and development. They also hope that the project will inspire other villagers and communities to take charge of their own destiny and preserve their heritage.
The Rashidpura Khori railway station is a shining example of community empowerment and resilience. It is a testament to the power of collective action and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges and transforming challenges into opportunities. It is a symbol of pride and unity for the villagers and the nation.
