Union Tourism Minister Flags Off Train Services in Andhra Pradesh
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, witnessed the inauguration of extended train services by Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, enhancing connectivity in the region.
Alex Carter
- 2024-01-12
- Updated 11:38 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - At Guntur Railway Station, an event that marks a significant upgrade in Andhra Pradesh's rail infrastructure took place. Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy flagged off the extension of three train services: the Uday Express, the Narsapur-Hubbali Express, and a special train connecting Nandyal with Renigunta. This development arrives amidst the government's push towards improving railway connectivity in the state, with 32 projects currently underway. These services will facilitate direct connectivity between cities, offer more travel options, and support pilgrims visiting sacred sites.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity
The Uday Express now connects Guntur to Visakhapatnam directly, providing a vital link between the cities. The Narsapur-Hubbali Express extends travel options for commuters from coastal Andhra Pradesh to Karnataka, and the Nandyal - Renigunta train caters to pilgrims aiming to reach the Lord Venkateswara temple. These trains are equipped with both AC and Non-AC coaches, serving a diverse array of passengers. The commitment to better rail service is part of a larger strategy that includes the development of dedicated freight corridors and a push towards 100% electrification, with electrification works nearing completion in the state.
Modernization and Development of Rail Infrastructure
The state of Andhra Pradesh has seen significant railway upgrades with 5,074 kilometers of track development. Additionally, there is the introduction of indigenous semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains that operate on three key routes, significantly reducing travel times and enhancing passenger convenience. These routes include Hyderabad - Vijayawada - Vizag, Hyderabad - Vijayawada - Tirupati, and Vijayawada - Chennai-Guntur. The availability of these modern trains represents a leap towards contemporary train travel in India.
In conclusion, the train service extensions inaugurated at Guntur Railway Station by Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy signify a substantial push towards improving the railway network in Andhra Pradesh. Attendees at the event included DRM M Ramakrishnan, GMC Mayor Kavati Manohar Naidu, and other railway officials. This development is expected to greatly benefit the state's connectivity, economic growth and provide enhanced travel experiences for both commuters and tourists.