Shirdi to Tirupati Now Directly Connected as Indian Railways Launches New Express Service
Shirdi/New Delhi, 09th December 2025: The Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express was flagged off through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the introduction of a new weekly service linking two major pilgrimage centres. The train establishes direct rail connectivity between Shirdi and Tirupati for the first time, covering Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The new service provides the first direct connection from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to Shirdi. It operates with a travel time of around 30 hours each way and makes 31 stops, including Nellore, Guntur, Secunderabad, Bidar and Manmad. The route also connects Parli Vaijnath, a significant Shiva temple town.
During the launch, Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna said the introduction of the service strengthens inter-state connectivity and facilitates pilgrimage travel across four states. He stated that the train links key religious destinations and is expected to support connectivity and passenger convenience.
Somanna highlighted recent developments in rail infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, noting an increase in the average rail budget from ₹886 crore during 2009–14 to ₹9,417 crore in 2025–26. Ongoing projects in the state total more than ₹93,000 crore, while 1,580 km of new track have been added with complete electrification. Andhra Pradesh currently has 73 Amrit Stations and has seen upgrades such as new bridges, flyovers, lifts, escalators and new train services including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat.
In Tirupati, major railway projects are underway, including the ₹312 crore Tirupati Amrit Station. Other ongoing works include the Tirupati–Pakala–Katpadi doubling project, Gudur–Renigunta third line, Nadikudi–Srikalahasti new line, Vijayawada–Gudur third line and the Yerpedu–Pudi bypass.
The flag-off event was attended by officials and elected representatives from Andhra Pradesh, including ministers, members of parliament, members of the legislative council and assembly, and TTD Board representatives.
