Barmer/Pali, Sept. 26 -- Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced that clay cups (kulhads) manufactured in the state's Pali district will soon be used to serve tea at railway stations across the country. He said the initiative would promote eco-friendly practices and generate new employment for the district's women while also giving it a new identity. During his one-day visit to the district on Thursday, Vaishnaw inspected local artisanal units run by women. These included a stone-studded bangle-making unit at Hemawas village and training centres where local women were provided specialised training aimed at imparting skills in sewing, making cloth bags and grooming, among others. "Such small industries are helping women become financially independent and confident. Their determination is inspiring," said the railway minister. The Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, was committed to strengthening skill development, self-employment, and women empowerment, Vaishnaw told reporters. "Whether it is bangles, kulhads, or stitched garments, all these cottage industries represent the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said. He also inspected the railway station in Pali and an exhibition showcasing local initiatives. Addressing local reporters at the event, the railway minister confirmed the commission of a new train service connecting Jalore and Pali to Delhi, which, he said, was to be initiated within a period of three months. He highlighted that in the past five months, new trains have been introduced connecting the district to cities like Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad, and that the proposed Jalore-Pali-Delhi service will commence daily travel to the capital shortly. The move will greatly benefit residents living in both districts, the railway minister added. Vaishnav also announced that revamped Pali railway station will undergo a complete transformation, presenting a design of the proposed modern structure that was in the works. While addressing an event organised for him at a home for senior citizens, Vaishnav presented a photograph of the revamped Pali railway station, and also confirmed to those present that the tender process for the proposal has been completed and construction of the new station will begin soon. During his visit, Vaishnav also visited RIICO industrial area in Naya Gaon, where he observed the mechanized process of making clay kulhads. Expressing happiness minister said that traditional earthenware was being produced with modern efficiency, ensuring both quality and volume. "Pali will be made a role model for such industries. Soon, passengers across India will sip tea in kulhads made here, connecting culture with sustainability," he said. Senior leaders and officials, including district in-charge minister Jhabar Singh Khara, MP PP Chaudhary, local MLAs, former legislators, district collector L.N. Mantri, and police superintendent Adarsh Sindhu, accompanied the minister during his day-long tour of the district....