Monday, September 16, 2024 Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are about to witness the inauguration of two new Vande Bharat Express trains, a significant advancement in regional connectivity. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ceremoniously flag off the Nagpur-Secunderabad and Durg-Visakhapatnam routes, marking an exciting new chapter for rail travel in these regions. This development underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and linking diverse parts of India more efficiently.
The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express will bridge Maharashtra’s Nagpur with Secunderabad in Telangana, offering a high-speed, comfortable travel option between these important cities. This new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost economic and cultural exchanges between Maharashtra and Telangana. The train promises to provide a modern, state-of-the-art travel experience, embodying the latest in rail technology.
Meanwhile, the Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will establish a vital connection between Andhra Pradesh’s bustling port city of Visakhapatnam and Durg in Chhattisgarh. This new link aims to facilitate smoother and more efficient travel, fostering better connectivity for both passengers and freight. The enhancement in railway services is poised to stimulate regional development and promote greater interaction between these strategic locations.
The Prime Minister will oversee the launch of these trains through a remote video link from Ahmedabad, with the event scheduled for 4:15 p.m. This virtual flag-off is part of a broader initiative to inaugurate a total of seven Vande Bharat Express trains across various states, furthering the vision of a more interconnected and accessible railway network.
In Secunderabad, the South Central Railway (SCR) will host a ceremonial event at the railway station to mark this significant occasion. The ceremony will highlight the importance of these new routes and celebrate the advancements in rail infrastructure, reflecting the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand India’s railway system. The upcoming launch event for the new Vande Bharat Express trains will see the participation of prominent figures including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A.
Revanth Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, along with other senior officials. Their presence highlights the importance of this significant addition to the region’s transportation network.
The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to commence regular services starting September 19, while the Durg-Visakhapatnam route will begin operations from September 20. This phased rollout reflects the careful planning and coordination involved in introducing these high-speed rail services. According to officials from South Central Railway (SCR), the Nagpur-Secunderabad route is set to greatly improve connectivity and efficiency between major cities in Maharashtra and Telangana.
This new train service is designed to offer convenient daytime travel options, making it easier for passengers from Nagpur, Balharshah, and other nearby towns to reach Secunderabad. The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express will cover a distance of 585 kilometers in approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. Along the way, the train will make stops at Sevagram, Chandrapur, Balharshah, Ramagundam, and Kazipet, providing key access points for travelers in both directions.
The train will feature two Executive class coaches and 18 Chair Car coaches, offering a total of 1,440 seats. This configuration aims to accommodate a significant number of passengers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience on this new route. The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express, Train Number 20101, is set to leave Nagpur at 05:00 hours and will arrive in Secunderabad at 12:15 hours.
Conversely, Train Number 20102, the Secunderabad-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express, will depart from Secunderabad at 13:00 hours and reach Nagpur at 20:20 hours. This schedule is designed to facilitate convenient travel times for passengers moving between these two major cities. The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express is anticipated to significantly cut travel time between Durg and Visakhapatnam to approximately eight hours.
This new service aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency, offering a faster and more comfortable journey for travelers in this region. The train will feature 16 coaches and will operate six days a week, with a break on Thursdays, from both ends of the route. Intermediate stops are planned at key stations including Raipur, Mahasamund, Khariar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Rayagada, and Vizianagaram, providing essential access points along the way.
Specifically, Train 20829 will depart Durg at 05:45 hours and arrive in Visakhapatnam at 13:45 hours, while Train 20830 will leave Visakhapatnam at 14:50 hours and reach Durg at 22:50 hours. This schedule is designed to maximize convenience and accessibility for passengers traveling between these important destinations..
