"Empowering Communities: Rashidpura Khori, Rajasthan's Villager-Run Railway Station"

"Empowering Communities: How Locals Revived a Lifeline in Sikar District"

In the heart of Rajasthan lies a railway station with a story unlike any other. Rashidpura Khori, a station nearly a century old, found itself at a crossroads in 2005 when commercial viability concerns led to its closure by the Indian Railways. However, the determination of the local villagers breathed new life into this historic stop.

For the 25,000 residents of Rashidpura, Khori, and Palthana, the station wasn't just a relic of the past; it was a vital link to the outside world. When the railways ceased operations due to low passenger traffic, the villagers refused to accept defeat. Led by community leaders like Pratap Singh Burdak, they presented a compelling case to the authorities: allow them to run the station, and they would ensure its financial sustainability.

With a monthly revenue target of Rs. 40,000 set by the railways, the villagers embarked on a journey of self-reliance. They pooled resources, formed committees, and launched extensive awareness campaigns to promote train usage. What started as a temporary arrangement in 2009 soon blossomed into a long-term success story, with the villagers successfully managing the station for over seven years.

Now, as the station reopens its doors after a hiatus for track upgrades, the spirit of community involvement remains as strong as ever. Mahendra Kumar, a schoolteacher from Palthana, has taken up the mantle of ticket seller, operating under a tree with a simple wooden chest. His dedication, echoed by fellow villagers like Siddharth Singh and Karan Singh, highlights the profound impact of the railway station on daily life in the region.

With hopes for future growth and development, railway officials envision Rashidpura Khori as a model of grassroots empowerment. As passenger numbers rise and commercial activity flourishes, this humble station in Sikar district stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in sustaining vital infrastructure.

Watch the video here.

The Positive Diary

Reference:

www.newsbytesapp.com

www.hindustantimes.com