Tirupati Direct Train: 75-Year Dream Realized A long-awaited dream spanning seven decades has finally come true as the direct train service between Shri Kakinada and Tirupati was officially launched. This development marks a significant milestone for the people of Andhra Pradesh, offering a convenient and direct rail link between the two cities. The service, which began operations on April 13, 2026, is expected to ease travel for thousands of pilgrims and commuters, particularly those visiting the Tirumala temple. The initiative was the result of sustained demands from local leaders and residents, who had long advocated for a direct rail connection. The Indian Railways, under the South Central Railway zone, approved the service, which operates as the Weekly Hamsafar Express. The train runs on a weekly basis, with two distinct schedules: one departing from Shri Kakinada on Mondays and another from Tirupati on Sundays. The Shri Kakinada to Tirupati service (Train No. 17440) departs from Shri Kakinada Railway Station at 3:00 PM on Mondays. It makes several stops along the route, including Cheppurupalle, Vijayanagaram, Kothavalasa, Pendurthi, Duvvada, Anakapalli, Elamanchili, Samarlakot, Rajamandram, Eluru, Vijayawada, Tenali, Bapatla, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunt, and finally arrives in Tirupati at 8:10 AM the next day. The Tirupati to Shri Kakinada service (Train No. 17439) operates on Sundays, departing from Tirupati at 4:55 PM. It stops at Renigunt, Gudur, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala, Bapatla, Tenali, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajamandram, Samarlakot, Elamanchili, Anakapalli, Duvvada, Pendurthi, Kothavalasa, Vijayanagaram, Cheppurupalle, and arrives in Shri Kakinada at 12:30 PM the following day.#tirupati #south_central_railway #shri_kakinada #ram_mohan_naidu #tirumala_temple
