Balotra–Pachpadra rail line to boost refinery project; Barmer station set for major expansion

JAISALMER: General manager Amitabh has said that the proposed Balotra–Pachpadra rail line, being developed in view of the multi-dimensional Pachpadra Refinery Project in Rajasthan’s Balotra district, is among the most important railway projects not only in Rajasthan but in the country as a whole.

He stated that the new railway line will be constructed along the alignment of the former metre-gauge route. The project is expected to significantly support the refinery’s operations and will be implemented in a phased manner.

The refinery being developed at is expected to benefit greatly from enhanced railway connectivity. The new rail link is likely to accelerate industrial activity and provide fresh momentum to the economic development of western Rajasthan.

Speaking to journalists during his visit to Barmer, Amitabh said that the survey work for the project has already been completed. Cost estimation and other technical reports are currently being finalized. Once these processes are completed, the proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Railways for approval.

Divisional railway manager of Jodhpur division was also present at the press conference.

The general manager described the project as ambitious and large-scale, emphasizing that construction would be carried out in phases. According to him, the rail line will not only provide better connectivity to the refinery but will also strengthen freight transportation across the region.

Approval has already been granted for the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the construction of an 11-kilometre rail line connecting Balotra and Pachpadra.

The move is being viewed as a major step toward strengthening the industrial infrastructure associated with the refinery. Following completion of the survey, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared and submitted to the Railway Board for approval.

The project has also revived hopes of restoring railway services between Balotra and Pachpadra after nearly 35 years.

The general manager noted that once rail connectivity is established, petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, naphtha, and other refinery outputs will be transported directly by rail wagons to major cities and ports across the country.

This is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve fuel supply chains, and facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and raw materials in less time and at lower cost.

Major Infrastructure Upgrade Planned at Barmer Railway Station
Amitabh also highlighted major infrastructure development works currently underway at , one of western Rajasthan’s most important railway hubs.

At present, the station has three platforms, but plans are underway to increase the number to six. A proposal to develop a second station entrance is also under consideration.

He said that Barmer and are important and remote railway destinations in western Rajasthan, and the railway administration is continuously expanding facilities to meet growing passenger demand and future requirements.

The general manager informed that construction of two new pit lines is progressing rapidly. Currently, the station has only one pit line, but upon completion of the project, the number will increase to three.

Under the development plan, the existing pit line will later be removed and replaced, allowing space for the construction of additional platforms.

He said the work is expected to be completed by December this year, although the timeline could be affected by the relocation of old railway quarters, health units, and other departmental buildings.

To facilitate this transition, new residential quarters and supporting infrastructure are also being developed for railway employees and departments.

According to the North Western Railway general manager, the number of pit lines is expected to increase from one to three within the next six to eight months, while the number of platforms is targeted to rise from three to six within the next one to two years.

This expansion will significantly improve train maintenance, coaching operations, platform availability, and the capacity to handle additional train services.

The proposed second entrance at Barmer Railway Station is aimed at improving passenger convenience. Once developed, passengers approaching from other parts of the city will have easier access to the station, while congestion at the main entrance will be reduced. Improvements in parking, passenger movement, and overall station management are also expected.

Amitabh expressed confidence that once these projects are completed, Barmer Railway Station will emerge as one of the leading modern railway stations in western Rajasthan.

Enhanced platform capacity, additional pit lines, and improved passenger amenities are expected to strengthen rail operations while contributing to the region’s social and economic development. The expansion will also help accommodate future growth in passenger and freight traffic, making it a significant milestone for Barmer.