flags off Dharmavaram-Machilipatnam Inaugural Special from Vijayawada Railway Station

 SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY – VIJAYAWADA DIVISION  (prajaamaravathi);

                                                                                         

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) flags off Dharmavaram-Machilipatnam  Inaugural Special from Vijayawada Railway Station

 

Train no 17215/17216 Vijayawada- Dharmavaram Express Extended up to Machilipatnam with effect from 14.02.2023

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) flagged off the Inaugural Dharmavaram- Machilipatnam Service today i.e., 14th February, 2023 at 15:50 hrs from Platform No.1 of Vijayawada Railway Station. Public Representatives, Shri Shivendra Mohan, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division and Senior Officials of Vijayawada Division took part in the event. 

South Central Railway, Vijayawada Division has extended Train no. 17215/17216 Vijayawada- Dharmavaram – Vijayawada Daily Express Service up to Machilipatnam Station with effect from 14.02.2023. The Primary maintenance of this Extended Rake shall be undertaken at Machilipatnam Depot from now onwards. 

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp along with Distinguished Guests. Addressing the gathering, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister said that Nation is steering forward with the principle of Sabka Saath–Sabka Vikas–Sabka Vishwaas–Sabka Prayaas by implementing inclusive growth and development of the States under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.  The Union Minister stated that the extension of Dharmavaram – Vijayawada Express up to Machilipatnam will be an enormous boon for Krishna and Coastal District people by providing connectivity to important cities of Rayalaseema. Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that Railways play a key role in transportation of public and freight, by connecting hinterlands and every nook & corner of the Country. He thanked the Central government for the record allocation of Rs. 8406 Crore to the State of Andhra Pradesh in the 2023-24 Budget and introducing Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam on the eve of Sankranthi for the people of twin Telugu States. He said the Railways is undergoing massive transformation, capacity augmentation, infrastructural upgradation and technological advancements during the current phase to catch up with passenger demands and aspirations. Shri G. Kishan Reddy also said that proposals are in pipeline for introducing new train from Machilipatnam – Tirupati, extension of Vijayawada – Shirdi to Machilipatnam and redevelopment of Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Gudur Stations on par with airports. He also said that Centre is committed and working with determination to meet the developmental aspirations of people of Andhra Pradesh.

Shri V. Balashowry, Hon’ble MP, Lok Sabha thanked the Union Minister and Centre for extending Dharmavaram- Vijayawada Express up to Machilipatnam. He also appealed to the Union Minister and Central Government to introduce new Train from Machilipatnam to Tirupati to cater to the needs of Coastal District people and develop Tenali–Machilipatnam Railway Line segment. Smt. R. Bhagyalakshmi, Mayor, Vijayawada expressed her happiness and thanked the Centre and Railway Minister on behalf of people of A.P for providing extension and connectivity to Rayalaseema. 

Later, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Public Representatives and Divisional Officers flagged of the inaugural service amidst a cheering and gleeful response from passengers.

Earlier, Shri Shivendra Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division thanked Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Distinguished Guests for gracing the inauguration ceremony. DRM said that Division is augmenting its capacity and infrastructure to serve the people in a better way.  He said that the single rake of Dharmavaram – Vijayawada Express was first introduced in 2016 and later second rake was inducted in 2019 by making it a daily service with increased coaches. DRM said that the train has a very good patronage and shall generate more demand from the people with this extension. Shri V. Rambabu, Sr. DCM, Vijayawada Division proposed vote of thanks and concluded the event. 

Shri V. Balashowry, Hon’ble MP, Lok Sabha; Smt R. Bhagyalakshmi, Mayor, Vijayawada; Shri Somu Veeraju, President, BJP, Andhra Pradesh; Shri M. Srikanth, ADRM, Operations; Shri D. Srinivasa Rao, ADRM, Infrastructure Shri V. Rambabu, Sr.DCM; Shri K. Sridhar, DEN, East; Shri T. Suresh, Sr. DEE Maintenance; Shri R. Viswanath Reddy, Sr. DSTE; Ms. Nusrat M Mandrupkar, PRO; Shri Md Ali Khan, ACM; Shri V. Ravi Varma, ACM; Other Branch Officers and Staff participated in the event today.