Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, on Wednesday flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express via video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. The new service establishes direct rail connectivity between two of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Shirdi in Maharashtra, benefiting devotees across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
ALSO READ
Enhancing Pilgrimage Connectivity and Regional Development
The launch of this express train introduces the first direct rail service to Shirdi from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh, providing pilgrims a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free inter-state travel option. The weekly service covers 31 stops, including Nellore, Guntur, Secunderabad, Bidar, Manmad, and Parli Vaijnath, with a travel time of approximately 30 hours each way.
V. Somanna described the launch as a historic day for devotees of four states. He said, Indian Railways not only serves as a transport medium but also connects regions and cultures, acting as the lifeline of the country. He added, The service will boost pilgrimage tourism, connectivity and stimulate economic activity along the route and in surrounding regions.
Rail Infrastructure Development in Andhra Pradesh
Highlighting the progress in Andhra Pradesh’s rail sector, Somanna noted that rail budget allocation for the state has grown from ₹886 crore in 2009–14 to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26, marking an eleven-fold increase. The state has added 1,580 km of new track, fully electrified, and now has 73 Amrit Stations worth ₹3,125 crore. Other projects include 800 flyovers and bridges, 110 lifts, 40 escalators, and introduction of 16 Vande Bharat and 6 Amrit Bharat train services.
ShrSomanna further detailed ongoing projects in Tirupati, including the Tirupati Amrit Station (₹312 crore), Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi doubling (105 km, ₹1,215 crore), Gudur–Renigunta 3rd line (83 km, ₹875 crore), Nadikudi–Srikalahasti new line (310 km, ₹5,900 crore), Vijayawada–Gudur 3rd line (287 km, ₹6,235 crore), and Yerpedu–Pudi bypass line (25 km, ₹490 crore).
The event was also attended by B. C. Janardhan Reddy Garu, Minister for Roads & Buildings, Infrastructure & Investments, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy Garu, MP Tirupati, B. Kalyana Chakravarthy Garu, MLC, A. Sreenivasulu Garu, MLA Tirupati, Bhanu Prakash Reddy Garu, TTD Board Member, and other dignitaries.