Railway stations in Rajasthan have certainly taken another turn ever since Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje took the initiative of not only changing the stations look but also people’s mindset who think that Indian railway stations are all about loud announcements, filthy platforms and stinky rail tracks. Her initiative turned out to be a big step and was noticed when one of Rajasthan’s most important railway station, ‘Sawai Madhopur Railway Station’ won the title of ‘Best Tourism Friendly Station’ in India. It is one among those railway stations in Rajasthan which witnesses high number of domestic and international visitors, given that it is also the gateway to the world-renowned wildlife sanctuary Ranthambore National Park.
Vasundhara Raje a few months back announced that railway stations in Rajasthan will be given a different look by decorating them with the art, culture, traditions, wildlife and colourful history of the state. Paintings are being made at the several railway stations which are not only introducing the souls of the respective towns to the visitors but are also transforming the railway stations like never before. In short, the Rajasthan railways stations have now turned into art galleries.
When you step down at the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, you are welcomed with a roaring tiger making you feel ‘Ranthambore’ already. The 5,000-feet of walls at the Sawai Madhopur station are decorated with all things Ranthambore. But this has not been the case of this one platform. There are several other railway stations in Rajasthan which are under transformation under the leadership of CM Raje. The stations that are currently being transformed are the capital city Jaipur’s Railway station, Ajmer Railway Station, Bharatpur Railway Station, Jodhpur Railway Station, Bikaner Railway Station and many more.The new-look stations have won praise from visiting tourists also.
“It is very beautiful, I hope the rest of the city is able to match this,” said Eduardo, a tourist visiting from Ajmer from Spain.
While promotion of local art and culture is one aspect of the initiative, officials are clear that spreading the message of cleanliness remains their priority.
“This is part of the Swachch Bharat campaign. A hundred artists can’t keep the stations clean if the 1,000 passengers using it don’t help us keep it clean,” said Tarun Jain, and officer with the South Western Railways.
Rajasthan has emerged as the game changer and is setting example for the other states in country.
