Rajasthan, the largest state of India, has a well-connected railway network that plays a key role in transportation. It is home to many major railway stations that link it to different parts of the country. Among these, one station stands out as the largest in the state. It handles a huge number of passengers and trains daily, making it an important hub for travel and trade.
An Overview of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India, known as the “Land of Kings.” It is the largest state by area, covering 342,239 square kilometers and the seventh largest by population. Most of it lies in the Thar Desert. Rajasthan shares its borders with Pakistan and five Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It is famous for tis rich culture and heritage.
Largest Railway Station of Rajasthan
Jaipur Junction is the largest railway station in Rajasthan. It is located in Jaipur, the capital city. The station serves as the headquarters of the Jaipur railway division under the North Western Railway zone of Indian Railways. It plays a major role in connecting Rajasthan with different parts of India.
History and Importance of Jaipur Junction
Jaipur Junction was built in 1875. The current station building was constructed later, with its cornerstone laid by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II on 4 May 1956. The construction took three years to complete. Today, the station handles around 35,000 passengers daily, making it the busiest station in Rajasthan.
Infrastructure and Facilities at Jaipur Junction
Jaipur Junction has modern infrastructure with several facilities:
- Platforms and Wi-Fi: The station offers free Wi-Fi for passengers, which was introduced in 2015.
- Solar Energy: It uses solar power for its operations, making it eco-friendly.
- Water Recycling: A water recycling plant with a capacity of 500 kl/day is installed to reduce water wastage.
- Plastic to Diesel Plant: The station has a waste-to-energy plant that converts plastic waste into diesel.
Lighting and Modernization
In 2019, the station was upgraded with LED lights to make the area brighter. Indian Railways has modernized the station to airport standards by improving lighting, platforms, waiting rooms, parking areas and other passenger facilities.
Transportation and Connectivity of Jaipur Junction
Jaipur Junction is centrally located and close to major transportation hubs:
- It is near the Sindhi Camp Bus Terminal, which offers inter-state bus services.
- The Jaipur Metro also has a stop at the railway station, making travel easier.
- The luxury train Palace on Wheels makes a scheduled stop at Jaipur Junction, attracting tourists.