Hubbry Logo
PilaniPilaniMain
Open search
Pilani
Community hub
Pilani
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Pilani
Pilani
Pilani
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Pilani is a small town located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. The town is best known as the location of BITS Pilani.

Key Information

Demographics

[edit]

As of the 2011 census of India, Pilani has a population of 29,741 of which 51% are males and 49% females. The average literacy rate is 72%. Male literacy is 80% and female 63%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.[1]

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

Pilani has a semi-arid climate, typical of North Western India. Summers, which last from late March till the end of June are extremely hot and dry.[2] They are followed by the monsoon months of July, August and early September, where temperatures drop slightly, and the humidity rises sharply. The months from late October to early March see warm days, and cool to chilly nights, with very dry conditions. Pilani encounters regular dust storms during the summer season, often leading to power outages.

Climate data for Pilani (1991–2020, extremes 1958–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 31.8
(89.2) 		35.1
(95.2) 		44.8
(112.6) 		47.1
(116.8) 		47.7
(117.9) 		46.9
(116.4) 		45.7
(114.3) 		42.6
(108.7) 		41.5
(106.7) 		40.4
(104.7) 		37.8
(100.0) 		31.9
(89.4) 		47.7
(117.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 21.0
(69.8) 		24.7
(76.5) 		31.0
(87.8) 		37.2
(99.0) 		40.9
(105.6) 		39.8
(103.6) 		36.6
(97.9) 		35.0
(95.0) 		35.3
(95.5) 		34.5
(94.1) 		29.6
(85.3) 		24.5
(76.1) 		32.4
(90.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 5.5
(41.9) 		8.9
(48.0) 		13.8
(56.8) 		19.6
(67.3) 		24.8
(76.6) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.6
(79.9) 		25.4
(77.7) 		23.0
(73.4) 		17.6
(63.7) 		11.4
(52.5) 		6.7
(44.1) 		17.3
(63.1)
Record low °C (°F) −3.9
(25.0) 		−4.0
(24.8) 		3.8
(38.8) 		8.5
(47.3) 		13.5
(56.3) 		17.4
(63.3) 		18.3
(64.9) 		19.0
(66.2) 		13.7
(56.7) 		9.0
(48.2) 		1.8
(35.2) 		−2.7
(27.1) 		−4.0
(24.8)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 6.6
(0.26) 		11.7
(0.46) 		9.9
(0.39) 		7.4
(0.29) 		26.7
(1.05) 		67.6
(2.66) 		133.1
(5.24) 		118.2
(4.65) 		60.3
(2.37) 		8.6
(0.34) 		3.7
(0.15) 		2.1
(0.08) 		456.0
(17.95)
Average rainy days 0.7 1.4 0.9 0.9 2.4 4.2 6.7 5.8 3.4 0.8 0.4 0.3 27.8
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 52 45 37 27 28 40 58 64 56 40 43 50 45
Source: India Meteorological Department[3][4][5]

Education and research

[edit]
Pilani in 1979

Pilani is home to the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani).

Apart from BITS, Pilani[6] also has one of the major CSIR labs for advanced research in electronics, the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI),[7][8] which is located next to the BITS campus. Other colleges include the BK Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology (BKBIET), the Indermani Mandelia college for girls, GD Birla Memorial Polytechnic Institute. Schools include Birla Shishu Vihar, Birla High School, Birla Public School and Birla Balika Vidyapeeth.

Transportation

[edit]

Pilani is not directly accessible by rail; the nearest stations are Chirawa, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi), Sadulpur 40 kilometres (25 mi) away served by the Northern Western Railway on the Sikar-Loharu Broad Gauge section and Loharu, 23.5 kilometres (14.6 mi) away in Haryana, which is served by fully broad gauge sections. Pilani is 208 kilometres (129 mi) from Jaipur and 194.3 kilometres (120.7 mi) from Delhi and has a good bus transport system.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pilani

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Pilani is a small town and tehsil headquarters in the of , , situated in the arid region near the border with . It is renowned worldwide as the location of the (), one of India's leading engineering and technology universities, which attracts students from across the country and abroad. The town, originally a village transformed through agriculture on converted sand dunes, serves as a hub for education and has a rich cultural heritage tied to the Marwari community and the influential . Founded in 1794 by Thakur Dalel Singh, the fourth son of Thakur Nawal Singh—the ruler who established nearby Nawalgarh—Pilani developed around a fort built by its founder and grew as a trading and agricultural center in the princely states era. According to the 2011 Indian census, Pilani has a population of 29,741, with a literacy rate of 81.05% and a of 945 females per 1,000 males; the relies on , small-scale industries, and , while the demographic includes a majority Hindu population (92.21%) and significant Scheduled Caste representation (19.38%). The town's educational prominence began in the early when Seth Shiv Naranji Birla started a basic pathshala in 1901, evolving into , which was formally established as an intermediate college in 1929 by industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla—born in Pilani in 1894—and granted status in 1964 under the UGC Act. Beyond academics, Pilani features notable landmarks such as the Birla Museum (housing ancient artifacts and exhibits) and the Panchvati garden, reflecting its blend of and tradition in the semi-arid landscape. The town's strategic location, approximately 200 kilometers from and 220 kilometers from , supports its role as an educational destination, with additional institutions like Birla Public School contributing to its reputation as a center of learning in .

History

Origins and early settlement

Pilani is situated in the of , , within the semi-arid region, which has long been recognized as a cradle for Marwari trading communities due to its strategic position facilitating commerce across northern . The area's arid landscape and proximity to trade routes connecting to major ports like Bombay and Calcutta contributed to its emergence as a hub for merchant activities in the 18th and 19th centuries. The settlement of Pilani traces its origins to the late 18th century, when Thakur Nawal Singh, a local ruler who founded Nawalgarh in 1794, commissioned his fourth son, Dalel Singh, to construct a fort in the area. This fort, initially named Dalelgarh after its builder, marked the formal establishment of the village around the early , serving as a defensive outpost amid the fragmented Rajput principalities of . Local , particularly the Shekhawats—a sub-clan of the Kachwaha Rajputs—played a pivotal role in granting land and organizing the initial community structure. Pilani's early growth was driven by its location on key caravan routes that facilitated the trade of commodities such as , , and spices, attracting Marwari merchant families who settled alongside the landowners. Migrations from nearby villages in the 1800s further bolstered the population, with families establishing small trading posts and fostering a mixed community of and merchants that laid the foundation for the village's economic vitality.

Birla family influence and modern development

The 's mercantile foundations in Pilani were laid by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla, who began trading in in the town during the late 1850s, capitalizing on the region's position as a amid the challenges of the 1857 uprising and subsequent economic shifts. This venture established the family's initial base in commodities, growing from local moneylending roots into a broader commercial network that connected Pilani to larger markets in and beyond. Ghanshyam Das Birla (GD Birla), born in Pilani on April 10, 1894, inherited and significantly expanded this legacy after taking over the family business in the early . Following his education and initial involvement in trading, GD Birla diversified operations post-1910s, establishing the Birla Jute Mills in in 1918 and venturing into cotton mills such as the Kesoram Cotton Mills, while later entering banking through institutions like the United Commercial Bank. These expansions shifted the family's primary operations eastward to , yet Pilani remained the ancestral seat, with the Birla serving as a enduring symbol of their origins. Throughout the 1920s to 1940s, the actively supported India's independence movement, providing financial backing to leaders like and contributing to nationalist causes amid colonial repression. In Pilani, this philanthropy manifested in funding educational institutions, such as the establishment of the Birla High School in 1918 and the registration of the Birla Education Trust in 1929 to promote learning, as well as the construction of temples that reinforced community and cultural resilience during the freedom struggle. Post-independence, the Birlas continued their transformative role in Pilani, notably through donations that facilitated the establishment of the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI) in 1953, with GD Birla contributing Rs. 21 lakh and land via the Birla Education Trust, positioning the town as an emerging hub for scientific research and . In the 1960s, further land donations by the family supported the expansion of educational infrastructure, including enhancements to existing institutions that solidified Pilani's modern identity as a center of learning while honoring its mercantile heritage.

Geography

Location and physical features

Pilani is situated in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India, at coordinates 28°22′N 75°36′E and an elevation of 279 meters above sea level. The town lies approximately 200 kilometers west of Delhi and 45 kilometers northwest of Jhunjhunu town, positioned within the foothills of the Aravalli hill ranges as part of the broader Shekhawati region. The terrain of Pilani features flat semi-arid plains dominated by sandy soils, which support sparse adapted to low moisture conditions. Seasonal water bodies, including small tanks, dot the landscape, alongside proximity to dry riverbeds that occasionally swell during monsoons. This topography reflects the transitional nature of the plains, blending arid expanses with subtle undulations from the nearby Aravalli influences. Pilani is bordered by rural villages, integrating it into the expansive cultural and geographical mosaic. The town's core area spans roughly 9 square kilometers as of 2020, with recent urban expansion primarily driven by the growth of educational institutions and associated . The semi-arid setting shapes these physical features, emphasizing resilience to .

Climate

Pilani experiences a hot semi-arid climate classified as BSh under the Köppen-Geiger system, marked by intense heat, minimal rainfall, and significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. The annual average temperature stands at approximately 25°C, with extremes ranging from below freezing in winter to over 45°C in summer. The summer season, spanning March to June, brings scorching temperatures, with average highs often surpassing 40°C and peaking at a record 49°C in May 2024. Winters, from October to March, are milder but can see lows dipping to a record -4.0°C, as observed in February 1974. The monsoon period, July to September, delivers the majority of the year's precipitation, averaging 456 mm overall but concentrated in July and August, providing temporary relief from the aridity. Humidity levels remain low year-round, typically below 40%, except during monsoons when muggy conditions prevail for several weeks. Summers are characterized by dusty winds, often escalating into occasional dust storms that reduce visibility and disrupt power supply. According to (IMD) records, the area averages 22 rainy days annually. This climatic regime contributes to chronic water scarcity, compelling reliance on groundwater extraction despite depleting reserves. Dust storms, while infrequent, exacerbate environmental stress by accelerating soil erosion and affecting air quality.

Demographics

Pilani's population has grown steadily since the early 20th century, reflecting its transition from a small settlement to an educational hub. Historical records indicate a population of approximately 5,000 in 1901, which increased to 11,194 by 1951 and 15,029 by 1961. The establishment of major educational institutions in the 1960s, including the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, accelerated growth thereafter, drawing students and supporting urban development. According to the , Pilani's total population stood at 29,741, with the urban agglomeration encompassing 40,590 residents. This represented a decadal growth rate of 13.4% from the 2001 population of 26,219. The town is classified as 100% urban, with no rural component, and its municipal area expanded from 5 square kilometers in 2001 to 15 square kilometers by 2011, accommodating the influx of residents and temporary populations like students. Key demographic indicators from the 2011 census include a of 945 females per 1,000 males and a (ages 0-6 years) comprising 11.51% of the total. Estimates for 2025 project the at approximately 42,000, reflecting continued growth driven by educational institutions.

Social composition

Pilani's residents are predominantly of Rajasthani ethnicity, with the Marwari community forming the majority, a business-oriented group originating from the and regions of that has historically shaped the town's commercial and cultural landscape. The influx of migrant students from across , drawn to educational institutions, creates a temporary demographic shift, introducing diverse ethnic backgrounds during academic terms. Religiously, the population is overwhelmingly Hindu, comprising 92.21% of residents as per the 2011 census, with smaller Muslim (7.61%) and Jain (0.03%) communities coexisting peacefully, influenced by the Marwari heritage's emphasis on trade and Jain traditions. As per the 2011 census, Scheduled Castes (SC) comprise 19.38% of the population, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) account for 0.49%. This composition reflects broader patterns in the region, where inter-community interactions have fostered social harmony amid shared cultural practices. Linguistically, Hindi serves as the primary language, spoken by approximately 90% of the population, supplemented by local Rajasthani dialects like Shekhawati in everyday rural and informal settings. English holds significant prominence due to Pilani's role as an education hub, facilitating communication among students and professionals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The town's educational profile underscores a notable youth bulge, with over 4,500 students, primarily from outside the local area, residing on the fully residential campus of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani) alone, contributing to a higher concentration of young, literate individuals. Literacy rates reflect this influence, standing at 81.05% overall in the 2011 census—above the state average—with male literacy at 90.79% and female at 70.86%, particularly elevated in urban areas hosting academic institutions.

Economy

Traditional sectors

Pilani's traditional economy has long been anchored in agriculture, which remains the dominant sector for the surrounding rural areas in Jhunjhunu district. Approximately 84% of the land is cultivable, primarily supporting kharif crops such as bajra (pearl millet), guar, moong, and moth, while rabi crops include wheat, gram, and mustard. Cultivation relies heavily on monsoon rains for kharif seasons and groundwater sources like wells and tube wells for rabi crops, given the semi-arid climate and limited canal irrigation in the region. Historical trade activities, influenced by the Marwari community native to Pilani, centered on mercantile ventures in commodities like and spices. Families such as the Birlas, originating from Pilani, built their early fortunes through trading and in markets across and abroad during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Local trade involved small markets (haats) where farmers exchanged surplus grains, pulses, and oilseeds for household goods, fostering a network of petty tied to agricultural output. Handicrafts in Pilani reflect the Shekhawati region's artistic heritage, particularly through paintings adorning the walls of historic havelis built by prosperous Marwari traders. These murals, executed in vibrant mineral-based colors on , depict mythological scenes, daily life, and European influences from the colonial era, serving as status symbols for merchant families. Minor textile weaving traditions, involving handlooms for cotton fabrics and durries, persist among local artisans, though on a smaller scale compared to . As of 2020-21, in was approximately ₹87,562, reflecting the low productivity of rain-fed farming and strong rural linkages; remains the primary occupation for a significant portion of the workforce as per 2011 census data, underscoring the sector's foundational role despite modernization pressures.

Education-driven growth

The educational institutions in Pilani, particularly the Birla Institute of Technology and Science () and the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), have transformed the town's economy by generating substantial employment opportunities and supporting ancillary services. These institutions sustain indirect jobs encompassing roles in construction, maintenance, and daily operations, while catering to the needs of approximately 4,500 students at the Pilani campus through a vibrant of hostels, eateries, and transport services that bolster local businesses and livelihoods. Innovation spillover from these establishments has further fueled economic dynamism, with CEERI's in leading to technology transfers that spawn startups and commercial applications in areas like IoT and . The Birla group's strategic investments, including funding for R&D collaborations and infrastructure, have amplified this effect by integrating academic advancements with industrial needs. Recent developments underscore this growth trajectory, as the July 2025 expansion plan includes increasing university-wide student capacity from 18,700 to 26,000 by 2030-31, with Project Vistaar allocating ₹1,219 to upgrade facilities at Pilani and other existing campuses, expected to boost local through new academic blocks, centers, and student housing.

Education and research

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani)

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (), traces its origins to 1901 when Seth Shiv Narain Birla established a small pathshala in Pilani for the education of his grandsons, including the future industrialist . This modest institution evolved under 's vision, who registered the Birla Education Trust in 1929 to formalize educational efforts in the region. By 1943, it had grown into an intermediate college, and in 1964, amalgamated existing arts, commerce, , and engineering colleges into , granting it deemed university status under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The Pilani campus spans 328 acres, providing a self-contained environment with wooded paths, academic buildings, and residential facilities. BITS Pilani offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in , sciences, , and , emphasizing integrated first-degree schemes that combine foundational and specialized . The Pilani houses 13 academic departments, including , , electrical and electronics engineering, and studies, serving approximately 4,500 students alongside 350 faculty members. These programs foster interdisciplinary learning, with admissions primarily through the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) for undergraduates and the Graduate Entrance Test for higher degrees. The institute has achieved notable recognition, ranking 11th in the engineering category in the (NIRF) 2025 released by the Ministry of Education, . Prominent alumni include , the aerospace engineer and former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, who contributed significantly to India's space program. Research output remains robust, with over 1,400 publications recorded in the first half of 2024 alone, reflecting a sustained annual rate exceeding 1,000 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Campus infrastructure includes state-of-the-art like the Ranganathan Library, advanced laboratories, and on-campus hostels accommodating most students. In 2025, announced expansions under a ₹2,200 plan, including enhancements to platforms to broaden access to online programs and the establishment of a new AI-focused campus in . Since 2000, the institute has pursued international collaborations, establishing off-shore campuses in (2000), (2004), and Hyderabad (2008) to promote global academic exchanges.

Other institutions and facilities

In addition to the prominent Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani serves as a hub for several other educational and research institutions that contribute to its academic ecosystem. The Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), established in 1953 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is a leading national laboratory dedicated to advanced research in electronics and allied fields. Located in Pilani, CSIR-CEERI focuses on areas such as microelectronics, microwave devices, sensors, and rural technology applications, including process control instrumentation and automation for industries like railways and agriculture. With over 500 staff members, including scientists and technical personnel, the institute conducts cutting-edge work through specialized labs, such as those on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for piezoresistive accelerometers and solar technologies like IoT-enabled smart solar trees. CSIR-CEERI actively collaborates with premier institutions, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) such as IIT Indore, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Kharagpur, on joint research programs in areas like computer vision, image processing, and sensor technologies. It has also contributed to national projects, including the development of smart sensors and electronic components fabricated for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), such as built-in electronics for signal conditioning in space applications. These efforts underscore CSIR-CEERI's role in fostering innovation for strategic sectors, with technologies transferred to industries for practical deployment. The B.K. Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology (BKBIET), founded in 2007 by the B.K. Birla Technical and Educational Foundation, offers undergraduate B.Tech programs in disciplines including , electronics, mechanical, and . Affiliated with and approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), BKBIET emphasizes practical training and industry-relevant skills, with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. Pilani's school education landscape is anchored by institutions under the Birla Education Trust, such as Birla Public School (Vidya Niketan), established in 1944 as a Montessori institution and now a CBSE-affiliated residential for boys. Complementing this are other Vidya Samiti-managed schools, including Birla Senior Secondary (founded in 1901) and Birla Shishu Vihar, which provide co-educational English-medium education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. Collectively, these schools serve around 5,000 students, promoting holistic development through academics, sports, and extracurricular activities aligned with CBSE curricula. Together, the secondary institutions like CSIR-CEERI and BKBIET host a combined and researcher body of about 2,000, enhancing Pilani's reputation as an educational while supporting national initiatives in and .

Culture and landmarks

Traditions and festivals

Pilani's cultural traditions are deeply embedded in the Marwari heritage of the region, where joint family systems have historically fostered strong community bonds and intergenerational living. The local is predominantly vegetarian, reflecting Rajasthani influences, with dal baati churma serving as a quintessential dish—comprising baked wheat balls (baati) soaked in , paired with lentil curry (dal) and sweetened crushed wheat ()—often prepared for family gatherings and special occasions. folk art traditions, including intricate frescoes on walls depicting mythological tales, historical events, and daily life, continue to influence local customs, with murals symbolizing prosperity and cultural narratives passed down through generations. The town observes major Hindu festivals with vibrant community participation, drawing from Rajasthani customs. Diwali illuminates the historic havelis with lamps and , symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and involving family feasts featuring traditional sweets and . Teej and , dedicated to Goddess , are particularly significant for women, who fast and adorn themselves in colorful attire, celebrating marital bliss through swings, folk songs, and processions during the and spring seasons. Holi brings the community together with playful color-throwing, regional folk songs, and bonfires, emphasizing renewal and social harmony. Muslim traditions are equally prominent, highlighted by the annual Urs at Narhar Dargah Sharif, a 750-year-old near Pilani, where devotees from across gather for prayers, music, and communal meals to commemorate the saint Hazrat Sakr Baba, fostering interfaith unity. The , prominent philanthropists in Pilani, supports temple fairs and religious events through their endowments, including the construction of temples like the Sharda Temple, which host devotional gatherings and cultural programs during festivals. In modern times, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani adds a contemporary layer with Oasis, its annual cultural festival established in 1971, which attracts over 12,000 participants from hundreds of colleges for 96 hours of events blending traditional Rajasthani dances like with modern performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions, bridging generational and cultural divides (as of 2023).

Heritage sites

Pilani, situated in the heart of the region of , boasts a rich collection of heritage sites that reflect the area's historical prosperity under Marwari merchants and rulers. The town features several painted havelis, contributing to Shekhawati's designation as the world's largest open-air art gallery due to its extensive frescoes depicting mythological tales, historical events, and daily life. These structures, primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries, showcase a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural influences, with vibrant wall paintings that have faded over time but remain a testament to local artistry. Among the prominent temples is the Satyanarayana Temple, constructed in the 1930s by the Birla family, known for their philanthropic contributions to Pilani's development. This marble edifice features intricate carvings inspired by traditional Hindu temple architecture, including detailed motifs of deities and floral patterns that highlight the Birlas' commitment to cultural preservation. The Clock Tower, or Ghanta Ghar, erected in the late 19th to early 20th century (1880-1911) during the colonial era, functions as a central landmark in Pilani, its hexagonal design and functional clock mechanism symbolizing the town's transition into modernity while anchoring community gatherings. Exemplary havelis include the Sarawagi Haveli (1856) and Loyalka Haveli (1865), both dating to the 19th century and adorned with wall paintings that vividly portray Hindu myths, such as scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, alongside historical depictions of merchant life and British influences. These residences, built by affluent Oswal Jain families, exemplify the opulent lifestyle of Shekhawati traders, with courtyards, jharokhas (overhanging balconies), and frescoed interiors that once served both practical and decorative purposes. Other notable sites include the Birla Museum, established in 1954 as Asia's first science museum by L.N. Birla under the Birla Education Trust; it houses interactive exhibits on physics, astronomy, and , blending heritage with educational outreach in 16 galleries. The Panchwati garden, maintained by the Birla Trust, offers a serene landscaped space with lush trees, bushes, and life-sized statues recreating episodes from the , providing a tranquil retreat amid Pilani's arid surroundings. Slightly further afield, the nearby Khetri Mahal, an 18th-century palace built by Rajput ruler Bhopal Singh Shekhawat, exemplifies wind-capturing with its elevated pavilions and intricate jaali work, overlooking the arid landscape and evoking the grandeur of Shekhawati's princely past.

Transportation

Road connectivity

Pilani's road connectivity relies on National Highway 709 (extension), which links the town to northern regions including , approximately 192 km away with a typical driving time of 2.5 to 4 hours via routes passing through and . The highway features four lanes in sections between and , supporting efficient travel. State highways, such as , provide connections to , about 200 km distant and reachable in roughly 4 hours through routes via and . These routes integrate with the broader network, including major district roads (MDR) that extend to nearby towns like . The town's internal road infrastructure consists of a well-maintained grid system, enabling smooth local mobility and access to educational and commercial hubs. The (RSRTC) operates frequent bus services from Pilani's depot to key destinations like , , and , with daily departures covering over 10 major routes. Infrastructure enhancements include the ongoing construction of a two-lane bypass with paved shoulders on NH-709 Ext at Pilani and Rajgarh, with a target completion date of March 2025, spanning key segments to reduce congestion and improve regional links. This project, part of broader national highway upgrades in , underscores Pilani's elevated connectivity relative to other rural areas in the state.

Rail and other options

Pilani lacks a dedicated station, making it reliant on nearby facilities for rail access. The closest station is , located 16 km away on the Rewari-Jaipur line of the Western , followed by at 23 km on the Northern , and Sadulpur at 40 km. Multiple daily trains operate from these stations to major cities, including , providing convenient connections for intercity travel; for instance, the Sainik Express and Bikaner-Delhi Express run daily from Chirawa to , covering the distance in about 4-5 hours. Air travel to Pilani requires accessing regional hubs, as no commercial airstrip exists locally. The primary options are in Delhi, approximately 190 km away via road, and , about 200 km distant. Both airports offer frequent domestic and international flights, with onward road connections to Pilani taking 3-5 hours depending on traffic. Intra-town mobility in Pilani primarily depends on non-motorized and low-emission options like cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, which are widely available for short trips within the town and to nearby sites. For long-distance access, rail serves as a key mode, supplemented by road options from stations. In 2025, proposals for a new railway line extension from directly to Pilani were raised in the , indicating ongoing discussions to improve connectivity.

References

  1. https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800478-pilani-rajasthan.html
  2. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/a-journey-from-pilani-to-chandigarh-and-back-7786474/
  3. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/about-us/
  4. https://bits-pilani-wilp.ac.in/about/bits-pilani-legacy.php
  5. https://www.holidify.com/places/shekhawati/pilani-sightseeing-5848.html
  6. https://src-h.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/rp/publications/no14/14-06_Nakatani.pdf
  7. https://iimejaipur.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3-Industrial-Entrepreneurship-of-Shekhawati-Marwaris-updated.pdf
  8. https://www.indianrajputs.com/history/shekhawat.php
  9. https://www.marwar.com/archive/the-marwari-heritage/
  10. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/podcast-the-business-of-family-building-with-the-birlas-2568381.html
  11. https://www.adityabirla.com/en/our-story/legacy/
  12. https://www.adityabirla.com/en/our-story/heritage/
  13. https://thebetterindia.com/287887/ghanshyam-das-gd-birla-group-gandhi-nationalist-freedom-struggle-history/
  14. https://bet.org.in/about-us/down-the-memory-lane/
  15. https://bnbasu.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CEERI-News-Jan-2021.pdf
  16. https://www.distancesto.com/coordinates/in/pilani-latitude-longitude/history/5136.html
  17. https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-g3ddnx/Pilani/
  18. https://sites.google.com/pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in/dom-bits/about-us/how-to-reach-us
  19. https://www.yatra.com/distance-between/distance-from-pilani-to-jhunjhunu.html
  20. https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/COMPENDIUM_OF_DISTRICTS_IN_ARAVALLI_LANDSCAPE.pdf
  21. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2258558
  22. https://rajras.in/ras/pre/rajasthan/geography/major-vegetation-types/
  23. https://geoiq.io/places/Pilani-%28M%29/6yTEGlQtCU
  24. https://www.mapsofindia.com/villages/rajasthan/jhunjhunun/chirawa/pilani.html
  25. https://nomadseason.com/climate/india/rajasthan/pilani.html
  26. https://weatherspark.com/y/108334/Average-Weather-in-Pil%C4%81ni-Rajasthan-India-Year-Round
  27. https://telanganatoday.com/record-high-temperatures-rajasthans-pilani-hits-49c-churu-at-50-5c
  28. https://amssdelhi.gov.in/MET_CENTRES/JAIPUR30/MINTEMP.pdf
  29. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan/dust-storm-affects-normal-life-in-parts-of-rajasthan-two-killed-as-wall-collapses/article69617090.ece
  30. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1477-8947.12453
  31. https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/dust-storm-in-some-parts-of-rajasthan-119040700597_1.html
  32. https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/20040/download/23172/PC01_A04_2.xls
  33. https://www.thebizdom.in/shekhawati-region-hub-of-army-traders/
  34. https://www.britannica.com/place/Rajasthan/People
  35. https://pmksy.gov.in/mis/Uploads/2017/20170512030106258-1.pdf
  36. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12339989/
  37. https://www.adityabirla.com/media/stories/gd-birla-reliving-a-remarkable-life/
  38. https://www.iiconservation.org/news/features/shekhawati-project-shared-mission-towards-conservation-mural-paintings-shekhawati
  39. https://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/DIPR_Jhunjhunu.pdf
  40. https://www.indiastatdistricts.com/rajasthan/jhunjhunu-district
  41. https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/bits-pilani-celebrates-convocation-2024-over-15000-degrees-awarded-2631470-2024-11-11
  42. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/student-facilities/
  43. https://www.ceeri.res.in/
  44. https://www.facebook.com/csirceeripilani/posts/successful-technology-transfers-by-csir-ceeri-we-are-delighted-to-announce-yet-a/1045404137616967/
  45. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/economic-and-finance/research/
  46. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2200crore-expansion-on-anvil-bits-pilani-chancellor-101752433065644.html
  47. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/bits-pilani-to-invest-over-2200-cr-on-expansion-new-ai-campus-at-amaravati/article69807169.ece
  48. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/about/bits-foundation/
  49. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/Academic-Bulletin-2022-23.pdf
  50. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/departments/
  51. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/admissions/
  52. https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2025/EngineeringRanking.html
  53. https://www.bitsaa.org/page/list-of-notable-bits-alumni
  54. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/BITSology/BITSology-June-2024/
  55. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/CONVOCATION_BROCHURE_2025.pdf
  56. https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/ministry-and-departments/council-scientific-industrial-research-csir/csir-central-5
  57. https://www.csircmc.res.in/ceeri
  58. https://www.iiti.ac.in/page/csir-ceeri
  59. https://www.iitr.ac.in/sric/mou/Research/CSIR-CEERI_Pilani.pdf
  60. https://niscpr.res.in/includes/images/csirnews/csirnews_dec17.pdf
  61. https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/ResourcesPdf/technology_transfer_august_2022.pdf
  62. https://bkbiet.ac.in/recognition-and-affiliation/
  63. https://bkbiet.ac.in/1111111-2/
  64. https://www.careers360.com/colleges/b-k-birla-institute-of-engineering-and-technology-pilani
  65. https://www.bpspilani.edu.in/our-history
  66. https://www.birlaschoolpilani.edu.in/origin-and-history
  67. https://www.bsvpilani.edu.in/about-us
  68. https://school.careers360.com/schools/pilani-public-school-pilani-jhunjhunu
  69. https://www.zoominfo.com/pic/csir-central-electronics-engineering-research-institute/372793318
  70. https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/content/rajasthan-tourism/en/rajasthani-cuisine.html
  71. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393137195_Shekhawati_Art_The_Evolution_Of_Traditional_Motifs_And_Cultural_Narratives
  72. https://www.theindiatourism.com/fairs-festivals-india/shekhawati-festival.html
  73. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/sikar/pilani/news/the-beginning-of-the-753rd-urs-of-narhad-dargah-sharif-jairin-arrived-with-vows-129447077.html
  74. http://www.templenet.com/Western/birla04.html
  75. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/events-festivals/
  76. https://theindianmusicdiaries.com/bits-pilanis-oasis-23-invites-rock-bands-and-rappers-for-rapwars-and-rocktaves/
  77. https://www.cntraveller.in/story/inside-painted-havelis-shekhawati/
  78. https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/house-of-history-116022601104_1.html
  79. https://www.facebook.com/groups/197691456912746/posts/1654868654528345/
  80. https://www.surajgarh.com/birlamuseum-pilani.shtml
  81. https://www.hellotravel.com/india/panchvati
  82. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/rajasthan/jhunjhunu/attractions/khetri-mahal/a/poi-sig/1081983/1001642
  83. https://www.travelmath.com/distance/from/Pilani%2C%2BIndia/to/New%2BDelhi%2C%2BIndia
  84. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Delhi/Pil%25C4%2581ni
  85. https://www.yatra.com/distance-between/distance-from-pilani-to-jaipur.html
  86. https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Rajasthan-MDR
  87. https://rsrtconline.rajasthan.gov.in/
  88. https://www.redbus.in/online-booking/rsrtc
  89. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU2481_oVdXCm.pdf?source=pqals
  90. https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Details-of-National-Highways-as-on-31.03_1.pdf
  91. https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/hss/hss-travel/
  92. https://www.goibibo.com/trains/chirawa-to-delhi-trains/
  93. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU683_VPlHyN.pdf?source=pqals
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.