Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) president Potluri Bhaskara Rao requested Sandip Mathur, General Manager of the newly-constituted South Coast Railway Zone, to introduce additional trains originating from Vijayawada to major destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Pune and other important cities, considering the increasing demand from the State.
He sought the expansion of Vande Bharat services, including early-morning connectivity between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai and Tirupati, besides expediting the proposed Vijayawada – Bengaluru Vande Bharat service. He appealed for the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper services to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other long-distance destinations along with enhanced Vande Bharat connectivity for Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Guntakal and Tirupati.
In a representation, Mr. Bhaskara Rao stated that though Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam divisions were among the highest revenue-generating divisions of Indian Railways, Andhra Pradesh remained inadequately served in railway connectivity, infrastructure development, and train allocations. Important divisions such as Guntur and Guntakal required enhanced connectivity and infrastructure support to meet growing passenger and industrial demands.
Highlighting the importance of industrial growth and logistics efficiency, Mr. Bhaskara Rao appealed for the development of Dedicated Freight Corridors and strengthening of freight infrastructure to support the State’s ports, manufacturing clusters, mineral resources and export-oriented industries. He emphasised the need for strengthening rail connectivity linking industrial corridors, ports, tourism centres, pilgrimage destinations and emerging economic regions to promote balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
Published – May 30, 2026 12:45 am IST
