MoS Somanna Flags Off Tirupati–Shirdi Express
New weekly train to boost pilgrimage tourism, connectivity and regional growth across four states
- Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express launched via video conferencing.
- First direct train from south coastal Andhra Pradesh to Shirdi.
- Expected to boost pilgrimage tourism and regional economic activity.
- AP rail infrastructure allocation rises eleven-fold since 2014.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Dec: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on Tuesday flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. The new weekly service connects Tirupati and Shirdi directly for the first time, significantly strengthening rail connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The launch introduces the first direct train from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to Shirdi, offering pilgrims a convenient travel option with a journey time of around 30 hours. With 31 scheduled stops, including Nellore, Guntur, Secunderabad, Bidar and Manmad, the train is expected to boost pilgrimage tourism, generate economic activity along the route and improve inter-state mobility for thousands of passengers.
Calling it a historic day for devotees across four states, Somanna said that Indian Railways continues to serve not just as a mode of transport but as a cultural connector and the country’s lifeline.
He also highlighted the rapid expansion of rail projects in Andhra Pradesh since 2014. While the average budget allocation for AP and Telangana was ₹886 crore between 2009 and 2014, it has surged to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26. The state has added 1,580 km of new track, achieved 100% electrification, and secured 73 Amrit Stations under redevelopment. Major works underway include doubling, third-line projects, new lines and bypass routes across the Tirupati region.
The virtual flag-off was attended by senior leaders including B.C. Janardhan Reddy, MP Maddila Gurumoorthy, MLC B. Kalyana Chakravarthy, MLA A. Sreenivasulu, and TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, who welcomed the new service as a major boost to mobility and tourism.
