Rail Connectivity Gets a New Push: Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express Approved

Indian Railways has approved a new tri-weekly Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express via Vijayawada, creating an additional direct rail link between coastal and central parts of Andhra Pradesh. The 499-km service is expected to strengthen passenger connectivity across several important towns along the route.

The Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express will depart Machilipatnam at 4:55 pm and reach Kurnool City at 5:45 am the following day. It will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The return service will leave Kurnool City at 9:30 am and reach Machilipatnam at 9:35 pm, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. .

The train will have commercial stoppages at Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Donakonda, Markapur Road, Cumbum, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Betamcherla and Dhone. The route therefore connects multiple districts and regional centres across coastal Andhra and the Rayalaseema belt.

From a governance and regional-development perspective, the service adds rail capacity between areas with significant passenger movement for employment, education, healthcare and business. It also improves direct access to Vijayawada, Nandyal and Kurnool from Machilipatnam and surrounding coastal areas.

The approval is part of the broader effort to expand rail connectivity within Andhra Pradesh and provide passengers with additional inter-regional travel options. The Railway Ministry has not specified the commencement date in its announcement.