Shri V. Somanna Flags Off Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, today.

 

The launch of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express delivers multiple far-reaching benefits by significantly strengthening rail connectivity across four states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It introduces the first direct train service to Shirdi from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh for devotees. By directly linking two of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, Tirupati and Shirdi, the service enhances convenience for pilgrims.

The new train is also expected to boost pilgrimage tourism, promote economic activity along the route, and support regional development. Additionally, it provides passengers with a safe, comfortable and hassle-free inter-state travel option, improving the overall rail travel experience for pilgrims. A new weekly train will offer pilgrims a seamless journey with a travel time of about 30 hours each way.

Shri V. Somanna described the launch of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express as a historic day for devotees of four states. He added that Indian Railways not only serves as a transport medium but also connects regions and cultures, acting as the lifeline of the country.

Shri V. Somanna said that Tirupati and Shirdi are now connected by a direct train with 31 stops at important places, including Nellore, Guntur, Secunderabad, Bidar, Manmad, and others. He added that the service will boost pilgrimage tourism, connectivity and stimulate economic activity along the route and in surrounding regions. He said that this new train will provide direct connectivity from Maharashtra, North Karnataka, and Secunderabad. Along its route, it will also connect Parli Vaijnath, an important Shiva temple.

The Union Minister of State highlighted that Andhra Pradesh has witnessed remarkable growth in rail infrastructure since 2014. He noted that while the average rail budget during 2009–14 for AP and Telangana was ₹886 crore, it has risen to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26, an eleven-fold increase. Ongoing projects in the state are worth over ₹93,000 crore. Since 2014, Andhra Pradesh has added 1,580 km of new track with 100% electrification. The state now has 73 Amrit Stations (₹3,125 crore). He also mentioned construction of 800 flyovers and bridges, installation of 110 lifts, 40 escalators, as well as the introduction of 16 Vande Bharat (8 pairs) and 6 Amrit Bharat (3 pairs) train services.

Shri V. Somanna stated that in Tirupati, Indian Railways is executing projects including the Tirupati Amrit Station valued at ₹312 crore. Major ongoing projects include the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi doubling, 105 km costing ₹1,215 crore, Gudur–Renigunta 3rd line, 83 km costing ₹875 crore, and the Nadikudi–Srikalahasti new line, 310 km costing ₹5,900 crore. Additionally, the Vijayawada–Gudur 3rd line, 287 km costing ₹6,235 crore, and the Yerpedu–Pudi bypass line, 25 km costing ₹490 crore, are underway.

Shri B. C. Janardhan Reddy Garu, Minister for Roads & Buildings, Infrastructure & Investments, Government of Andhra Pradesh joined the event as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy Garu, Member of Parliament, Tirupati; Shri B. Kalyana Chakravarthy Garu, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council; Shri A. Sreenivasulu Garu, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly, Tirupati; and Shri Bhanu Prakash Reddy Garu, TTD Board Member along with other dignitaries, also attended the event.