The Ministry of Railways has approved a new tri-weekly train service between Machilipatnam and Kurnool City through Vijayawada, operated by the South Coast Railway. This addition aims to improve rail connectivity between the coastal and interior regions of Andhra Pradesh, offering passengers an alternative route and reducing travel times for commuters between these key cities and intermediate towns.
Key facts
- New service: Machilipatnam-Kurnool City Express and Kurnool City-Machilipatnam Express
- Total distance: 499 km
- Machilipatnam to Kurnool City: departs 16:55, arrives 05:45 next day
- Kurnool City to Machilipatnam: departs 09:30, arrives 21:35 same day
- Frequency: Machilipatnam direction operates Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; Kurnool City direction operates Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
- 12 commercial stoppages including Vijayawada, Gudivada, Vinukonda, Nandyal, and Markapur Road
- Operated by South Coast Railway
- Approved by Indian Railways in September 2026
Route and stations
The new train will connect two important commercial and administrative centres across Andhra Pradesh. Starting from Machilipatnam, a coastal town in Krishna district, the service will pass through Gudivada and Vijayawada, major cities in the Krishna and NTR districts respectively. Moving inland, it will serve Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Donakonda, Markapur Road, Cumbum, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Betamcherla, and Dhone before reaching Kurnool City in the Rayalaseema region. These 12 stations represent significant towns and junctions that previously lacked direct train connectivity between the coastal and central Andhra Pradesh regions.
Travel pattern and schedule
The service operates on an alternating tri-weekly schedule. The Machilipatnam-Kurnool City Express departs at 16:55 (4:55 pm) and completes its 499 km journey by 05:45 (5:45 am) the following morning, taking approximately 13 hours. The return journey from Kurnool City-Machilipatnam Express departs at 09:30 (9:30 am) and arrives at 21:35 (9:35 pm) the same day, also covering the distance in approximately 12 hours. The timing allows morning arrivals for passengers starting from Machilipatnam and evening arrivals for those starting from Kurnool City, providing reasonable time windows for work and business travel.
Significance for connectivity
This train addresses a long-standing gap in Andhra Pradesh’s rail network. The coastal towns like Machilipatnam have traditionally been connected to major metros through National Highway routes but lacked efficient rail access to interior districts. Similarly, Kurnool City and surrounding Rayalaseema towns often relied on road transport or longer rail routes through other states. The new service creates a direct corridor that reduces journey time and provides a more economical travel option for regular commuters, business travellers, and students moving between these regions.
What this means for you
If you live in or travel frequently between Machilipatnam and Kurnool City, or stop at any of the 12 intermediate stations, this new train offers a direct rail alternative to road transport. The timing is particularly useful for those commuting for work or studies, with an overnight option from Machilipatnam and a daytime option from Kurnool City. Passengers in towns like Vinukonda, Nandyal, and Markapur Road, which earlier had limited direct connectivity, now have a convenient option to reach either coastal or central Andhra Pradesh. The service is expected to reduce overall travel costs compared to private bus or car travel over this 499 km route.
What happens next
The train service is now approved and scheduled to begin operations. Passengers can book tickets through Indian Railways’ standard reservation system. Further details regarding fare structure, specific halt timings at each station, and amenities offered on the train may be released by South Coast Railway in due course.