Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region, Govt. of India flagged off Train No. 17216 Dharmavaram – Vijayawada Express extended upto Machilipatnam in a function held at Vijayawada Railway Station today i.e., 14^th February, 2023 in the august presence of Shri Vallabbhaneni Balashowry, Hon’ble MP, Machilipatnam; Smt. R. Bhagya Lakshmi, Hon’ble Mayor, Vijayawada and Shri Somu Veer Raju, BJP President, AP State. Shri Shivendra Mohan, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division and other Senior Railway Officials from Division were also present o­n the occasion.

 Speaking o­n the occasion, Shri G. Kishan Reddy stated that Railways plays a key role in the development of the Nation. In addition to being a major public and goods transporter, Railways also plays an important role in growth of Agricultural and Manufacturing sectors in Railway vicinities, he said. The Hon’ble Minister stated that under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister the Indian Railways is focusing o­n providing the best Railway services with modern technology to every citizen of India. In this regard, the Dharmavaram – Vijayawada Express has been extended upto Machilipatnam and inducted with new LHB coaches, which will provide comfortable travel experience with modern amenities to the passengers, he added. He also stated that apart from Machilipatnam, the train will stop at Gudivada, Gudlavalleru and Pedana stations, which provides additional travel facility to the people of these regions.

 Further, the Hon’ble Union Minister stated the extension of the train service to Machilipatnam also serves as the direct train facility to the rail passengers travelling from Rayalaseema region. For passengers travelling from Tadipatri, Kondapuram, Yerraguntla, Proddatur, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu and Banaganapalle, this is the first train providing direct connectivity to Machilipatnam, he added. Shri G. Kishan Reddy thanked the Central government for the record allocation of Rs. 8406 Crore to the State of Andhra Pradesh in the 2023-24 Budget and introducing Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam o­n the eve of Sankranthi for the people of twin Telugu States. He said the Railways is undergoing massive transformation, capacity augmentation, infrastructural upgradation and technological advancements during the current phase to catch up with passenger demands and aspirations.

 Shri G. Kishan Reddy informed Vijayawada Railway station will be redeveloped with airport like facilities. In this regard, the Detailed Project Report is under progress and tenders will be issued soon after, he said. He also informed that Tirupati and Nellore Railway station redevelopment works are under fast progress.

 Shri Vallabbhaneni Balashowry, Hon’ble MP thanked the Railways for extending the Dharmaravaram – Vijayawada Express train upto Machilipatnam. He also appreciated the Railways for introducing the Vande Bharat trains which are providing fast, comfortable and safe journey to passengers. Earlier, Shri Shivendra Mohan, DRM, Vijayawada presented the welcome address to the gathering and gave a brief o­n Divisional performance and achievements.

South Central Railway has notified special trains to clear extra rush during Sabarimala season as detailed below:

Train No. 07123/07124  Secunderabad – Kollam - Secunderabad Special Fare Special via Melpakkam:

Train No. 07123 Secunderabad – Kollam Special Fare Special via Melpakkam will leave Secunderabad at 06.40 hrs o­n 15^th January, 2023 (Sunday) and reach Kollam at 12.55 hrs, the next day

In return direction Train No. 07124 Kollam - Secunderabad Special Fare Special via Melpakkam will leave Kollam at 15.00 hrs o­n 16^th January, 2023 (Monday) and reach Secunderabad at 00.30 hrs, the third day

Coach Composition: 4- AC Two Tier Coaches, 10- AC Three Tier Coaches,  2- Sleeper Class Coaches, 4- General Second Class Coaches, 1- Second Class Divyang Friendly & 1- Luggage cum Brake Van

The details of timings and stoppages of Train No. 07123/07124 Secunderabad – Kollam - Secunderabad Special Fare Special via Melpakkam are as follows (Timings in hours):