This railway station in Rajasthan is run by the villagers!
The Rashidpura Khori railway station in Rajasthan is one of a kind. Reportedly, it's the only station in India that has been sustained (successfully too) completely by villagers, without involvement of railway employees. Operations there were on halt since November'15 due to broad gauging work, but restarted earlier this month. Here's why the locals took up such a project, and how they did it.
The Rashidpura Khori station is almost 90 years old
The Rashidpura Khori station was a part of the princely state of Jaipur when it was launched in 1929. For the 25,000 locals of Rashidpura, Khori and Palthana, it was a lifeline. But for the Railways, meager passenger load meant it was commercially unviable. Finally, in May'05, it stopped operations. The disheartened locals didn't stop trying; they kept requesting authorities to continue services.
A unique of-the-people-by-the-people initiative was born
Railways eventually relented, but on the condition that villagers generate adequate revenue, which was deemed to be Rs. 40,000 a month. The locals agreed. They were handed over the station in January'09. They pooled in and collected Rs. 5L for the task. They formed committees, divided duties (one sold tickets and others maintained the station) and motivated others to use trains.
Railways estimates bigger results if commercial activity increases
In seven years, the villagers tasted success. Before 2005, six trains halted at Rashidpur Khori. After they took over, four more trains got stoppage. Operations resumed on December 9 after two years of track work. This time, Palthana's Mahendra Kumar, schoolteacher, has been designated ticket-seller. Railway officials say if commercial activity nearby increases, this of-the-people-by-the-people station could get bigger.
