CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The new train will promote pilgrimage, tourism, economic activity, and regional development.
Indian Railways connects various regions and cultures, serving as the lifeline of the nation.
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express today via video conferencing from Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.
With the introduction of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express, rail connectivity between the four states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra—will significantly improve, bringing many long-term benefits. This will be the first direct train service from the southern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh to Shirdi for devotees. By directly linking two of India’s most important pilgrimage centres, Tirupati and Shirdi, the new train enhances convenience for pilgrims.
In addition, it offers passengers a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free interstate travel option, enriching the overall rail travel experience for devotees. This new weekly train will offer pilgrims a seamless journey with a travel time of approximately 30 hours.
Calling it a historic day for devotees across the four states, V. Somanna said that Indian Railways is not merely a mode of transport but the lifeline of the nation, connecting diverse regions and cultures.
Somanna further noted that Tirupati and Shirdi are now connected by a direct train with 31 stops, including key locations such as Nellore, Guntur, Secunderabad, Bidar, and Manmad. He added that the service will boost pilgrimage tourism, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic activity along the route and surrounding areas. The train will also provide direct connectivity to regions in Maharashtra, North Karnataka, and Secunderabad, and will link Parli Vaijnath, an important Shiva temple.
The Union Minister highlighted that since 2014, railway infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh has grown remarkably. He stated that the average railway budget for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana increased from ₹886 crore (2009–14) to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26, an eleven-fold rise. Ongoing projects in the state are valued at more than ₹93,000 crore. Since 2014, Andhra Pradesh has added 1,580 km of new tracks, achieving 100% electrification. The state now has 73 Amrit Stations developed under projects worth ₹3,125 crore. He also cited the construction of 800 flyovers and bridges, installation of 110 lifts and 40 escalators, and the introduction of 16 Vande Bharat (8 pairs) and 6 Amrit Bharat (3 pairs) train services.
Speaking about developments in Tirupati, Somanna said that Indian Railways is working on several major projects, including the ₹312 crore Tirupati Amrit Station redevelopment. Other key ongoing projects include the 105 km Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi doubling project (₹1,215 crore), the 83 km Gudur–Renigunta third line (₹875 crore), and the 310 km Nadikudi–Srikalahasti new line (₹5,900 crore). Additionally, work is underway on the 287 km Vijayawada–Gudur third line (₹6,235 crore) and the 25 km Yerpedu–Pudi bypass line (₹490 crore).
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Roads, Buildings, Infrastructure and Investments, B.C. Janardhan Reddy Garu, attended the event as the distinguished guest. Other dignitaries present included Dr. Madila Gurumoorthy Garu, Member of Parliament, Tirupati; B. Kalyan Chakravarthy Garu, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council; A. Nivasulu Garu, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly, Tirupati; and Bhanu Prakash Reddy Garu, Member, TTD Board, among others.
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