New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on December 9 flagged off the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a major step in enhancing long-distance pilgrimage connectivity in the country.
The launch of the new express train significantly strengthens rail links across four states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Notably, it introduces the first direct train service to Shirdi from the south coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh, offering a direct and convenient travel option for lakhs of devotees.
By directly connecting two of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations—Tirupati and Shirdi—the new service is expected to greatly enhance convenience for pilgrims who traditionally relied on multiple train changes or long road journeys.
Railway officials said the weekly express train will offer passengers a seamless inter-state journey with a travel time of около 30 hours in each direction. The service is also expected to provide a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free travel experience, particularly for elderly devotees and families.
Beyond improving religious travel, the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express is expected to boost pilgrimage tourism, stimulate economic activity along the route, and support regional development across multiple districts it traverses.
The new service aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of improving long-distance connectivity, promoting tourism, and making rail travel more accessible and passenger-friendly for people across regions.