Tirupati–Shirdi Express Launched, Boosting Pilgrim Travel Across Four States

The Tirupati–Shirdi Express provides the first-ever direct rail link from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to the revered Sai Baba shrine in Shirdi.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna today flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express via video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. The newly introduced weekly service marks a significant milestone in enhancing India’s pilgrimage and inter-state rail connectivity.

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First Direct Train to Shirdi From South Coastal Andhra Pradesh

The Tirupati–Shirdi Express provides the first-ever direct rail link from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to the revered Sai Baba shrine in Shirdi. By connecting two of India’s most prominent pilgrimage centres—Tirupati in the south and Shirdi in the west—the service offers devotees a seamless travel option, eliminating the need for multiple train changes.

The train is expected to:

• Substantially boost pilgrimage tourism

• Facilitate economic activity along the corridor

• Enhance regional development across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra

With a travel time of around 30 hours each way, the service ensures a safe and comfortable journey for passengers seeking an easy inter-state pilgrimage route.

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Connecting Regions, Cultures and Economies

Calling it a “historic day for devotees of four states,” Shri V. Somanna highlighted that Indian Railways plays a pivotal role not just in transport, but also in bridging regions and cultures, acting as a national lifeline.

The new train will halt at 31 key stations, including:

• Nellore

• Guntur

• Secunderabad

• Bidar

• Manmad

• Other important junctions along the way

Importantly, the route also provides connectivity to Parli Vaijnath, a major Jyotirlinga temple, adding to its significance for pilgrims.

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Massive Railway Growth in Andhra Pradesh Since 2014

Shri Somanna detailed the remarkable expansion of rail infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh over the past decade. Key highlights include:

Budgetary Growth

• Rail budget for AP & Telangana (2009–14): ₹886 crore

• Rail budget for 2025–26: ₹9,417 crore

• 11-fold increase in allocation

Infrastructure Milestones

• 1,580 km of new track added since 2014

• 100% electrification achieved

• 73 Amrit Stations developed with an investment of ₹3,125 crore

• Construction of 800 flyovers and bridges

• Installation of 110 lifts and 40 escalators

• Introduction of 16 Vande Bharat trains (8 pairs) and 6 Amrit Bharat trains (3 pairs)

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Major Railway Projects Underway in Tirupati Region

The Union Minister outlined several transformative railway projects currently in progress:

• Tirupati Amrit Station redevelopment — ₹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

• Yerpedu–Pudi bypass line, 25 km — ₹490 crore

These projects aim to strengthen capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance rail access across the Tirupati corridor.

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Dignitaries Attend the Launch Ceremony

The event witnessed participation from several key leaders, including:

• Shri B. C. Janardhan Reddy Garu, Minister for Roads & Buildings, Infrastructure & Investments, Andhra Pradesh (Guest of Honour)

• Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy Garu, Member of Parliament, Tirupati

• Shri B. Kalyana Chakravarthy Garu, Member of Legislative Council

• Shri A. Sreenivasulu Garu, Member of Legislative Assembly, Tirupati

• Shri Bhanu Prakash Reddy Garu, TTD Board Member

They acknowledged the significant role the new service will play in supporting regional mobility and devotional tourism.

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A Major Step for Pilgrimage Rail Connectivity

The Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express marks a transformative moment for millions of devotees. By linking key spiritual, cultural and economic regions across four states, the new service reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive development and enhanced passenger convenience.