December 30, 2024 – Udaipur is preparing to bid farewell to 2024 with the start of the countdown to the year 2025. So, let us take a look at the hopes and expectations of the people of Udaipur for the upcoming year… things they wish to see come true in 2025 and things they want to turn their backs on.

Let us take a look at what these are:

Electric Train on the Udaipur-Ahmedabad (Asarwa) Route

In the coming year, an electric train is highly likely to run on the Udaipur-Asarwa route. The electrification of this route is complete and the goal is to start running electric trains on this track by the beginning of the new year.

Trains Connecting Udaipur to Mumbai and South India Via Ahmedabad

After a wait of 17 years, Udaipur and Ahmedabad (Asarwa) were connected by rail and currently, trains are operating between the two cities. Now, the public is eagerly waiting for more trains to operate along this route…particularly train routes connecting Udaipur to Mumbai via Ahmedabad and to South India via Ahmedabad.

International Flights from Udaipur

Udaipur, the City of Lakes and a major global tourist destination, is currently operating domestic flights from Maharana Pratap Airport. However, locals and tourists alike eagerly await commencement of international flights from this airport. International flights from Udaipur will not only benefit the tourism sector but also the expatriates from Mewar and Wagad working in Gulf countries. If international flights begin from Udaipur, it will be a blessing for tourism, businesses and the expatriate community.

Municipal Elections Excitement

While 2024 witnessed excitement surrounding the Lok Sabha elections, the year 2025 will recall the charged electoral atmosphere with municipal elections on the cards. These elections will, like all other polls, be all about ticket battles, infighting and controversial statements. The public will also look to be entertained by some leaders' habitual outrageous remarks.

High Court Bench

The long-standing dream of the people of Mewar-Wagad to have a High Court bench in the region does not seem to be coming true anytime soon. Both major political parties in Rajasthan have used this promise to appease the public just before the elections but so far failed to deliver on it. Despite several large-scale movements, the people of Mewar are still waiting for a positive outcome, though the current political leadership appears to have lost the incentive to push this issue further.

Relief from Traffic Jams

For nearly three years, the city’s traffic system was in chaos because of the Smart City project, which involved road construction work. While that work is complete, traffic jams, however, persist. In a bid to ease traffic movement across the city, the administration is taking steps to remove encroachments and widen roads. One such important project was the widening of the Fatehpura chauraha a few months ago. And going forward, if bottlenecks at several locations are removed, we could see respite from traffic jams in the upcoming year. Additionally, the proposed flyover from the Railway Station to Delhi Gate Court Chouraha is designed to alleviate traffic woes of the city and is eagerly awaited.

Will the City Be Free of Encroachments?

There is rampant encroachment at several locations all over the city. Despite the municipality's on-going concerted efforts, we may not see an encroachment-free city in 2025. However, the people of Udaipur still cling on to hope.

Arrest of the Accused in the Country's Biggest Gold Robbery

The country saw the largest gold heist at Muthoot Finance Company in August 2022. But a year-and-a-half later, the police are yet to capture the perpetrator. Though the case was solved, the main accused still remains at large. Similarly, in the Sunderwas murder case, the murderer from Bihar is yet to be apprehended by the law enforcement.

Judgement Awaited in Kanhaiyalal and Other Murder Cases

The much-discussed and shocking Kanhaiyalal murder case in 2022 led to the quick arrest of the accused. However, the people of Udaipur are eagerly waiting for the convicts to be given a strict punishment for the heinous crime that shook the city. It is hoped the judgment will be delivered this year.

Similarly, judgement in the Devaraj murder case this year is also awaited in 2025 which will bring the case to its logical conclusion. Additionally, the sentencing of the accused in the case of two elderly Bohra women who were murdered two years ago is also awaited.