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
Leopard Run Over by Train Near Rajura A sub-adult female leopard was killed after being struck by a train near Wihirgaon Naka in Maharashtra’s Rajura taluka on Saturday morning, raising concerns about the growing threat to wildlife along railway corridors that cut through forested areas. The carcass of the 18-month-old leopard was discovered along a South Central Railway track around 8:40 a.m. within Vihirgaon beat, under the Chanakha round of Rajura range. Forest officials swiftly responded to the incident, arriving at the site shortly after being alerted. A post-mortem examination was conducted by veterinary officer Dr. NP Telange, and the final report is pending. The incident underscores the increasing frequency of human-wildlife conflicts in regions where railway infrastructure intersects with natural habitats. Rajura taluka, part of Chandrapur district, is known for its dense forests and biodiversity, making the area a critical corridor for wildlife movement. The leopard’s death highlights the dangers faced by animals in such zones, where trains often traverse without adequate barriers or wildlife protection measures. Conservationists have previously raised alarms about the impact of railway expansion on local ecosystems, citing similar incidents in the region. Forest officials have emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and safety protocols to prevent such encounters. The post-mortem report is expected to provide insights into the leopard’s health and the circumstances of its death, which could inform future conservation strategies. However, the immediate focus remains on addressing the broader issue of habitat fragmentation and the risks posed by infrastructure development to wildlife.#chandrapur_district #rajura_taluka #south_central_railway #dr_np_telange #vihirgaon_beat
