Jaipur, Feb. 13 -- The Union government has approved Rs.470.34 crore for the doubling of the 50-km Reengus-Sikar railway section in Rajasthan, a move aimed at strengthening rail connectivity in the Shekhawati region and improving links with Jaipur and Delhi. An official release on Thursday states that the doubling of the Reengus-Sikar section will significantly enhance network capacity and enable faster and more frequent train operations, benefiting commuters, students, defence personnel and tourists travelling to and from the region. Shekhawati is considered an important region from the perspectives of tourism, education and defence services. Towns such as Pilani and Laxmangarh are recognised for their prominent educational institutions, while Baggar, Bisau, Chirawa, Dundlod, Fatehpur, Kajra, Mahansar and Nawalgarh are known for their heritage havelis with intricate frescoes. The region is also home to major religious destinations which attract devotees from across the country throughout the year. The rail doubling project is expected to boost religious tourism, especially for pilgrims travelling to Khatushyamji, and provide more convenient travel options for students commuting for education. It will also improve transportation facilities for a large number of people from Shekhawati serving in the Armed Forces, enabling easier access to their hometowns. Railway authorities said the increased line capacity will allow more trains to run on the route while also improving operational efficiency and train speeds. The project complements ongoing railway infrastructure works in the region, including the construction of the 18-km Reengus-Khatushyamji new rail line at a cost of Rs.254 crore and the redevelopment of Reengus and Sikar railway stations. Meanwhile, in view of the increased passenger rush during the Holi festival, the Railways has announced the operation of a special train service between Howrah and Khatipura (Jaipur) to provide additional travel convenience to passengers. According to North Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan, Train No. 03007 Howrah-Khatipura (Jaipur) Special will run for two trips on February 25 and March 11, 2026. The train will depart from Howrah every Wednesday at 11.55pm and reach Khatipura on Friday at 11.30am. Similarly, Train No. 03008 Khatipura (Jaipur)-Howrah Special will operate for two trips on February 27 and March 13, 2026. It will depart from Khatipura every Friday at 5.00pm and arrive at Howrah on Sunday at 5.15am. During its journey, the special train will halt at Barddhaman, Durgapur, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha, Kiul, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Tilaiya, Gaya, Anugrah Narayan Road, Dehri On Sone, Sasaram, Bhabua Road, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Subedarganj, Govindpuri, Etawah, Bah, Fatehabad, Agra Cantt, Bharatpur, Bandikui, and Dausa stations. The train will consist of 4 Third AC, 10 Sleeper Class, and 6 General Class coaches....