Golconda Express
{{short description|Train in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail service
| name = Golconda Express
| image =
| image_width =
| caption =
| type = Express
| locale = Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
| first = {{start date and age|df=yes|1969|03|01}}
| last =
| operator = South Central Railway
| ridership =
| start = Guntur (GNT)
| stops = 22
| end = Secunderabad (SC)
| distance = {{convert|385|km|0|abbr=on}}
| journeytime = 8 hours 15 minutes
| frequency = Daily
| class = AC Chair Car, Second Class Seating, General Unreserved
| seating = Yes
| sleeping = No
| autorack = Overhead racks
| catering = On-board catering,
E-catering
| observation = Rake sharing with 17233/17234 Bhagyanagar Express
| entertainment =
| baggage = No
| otherfacilities = Below the seats
| stock = LHB coach
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm}}
| el =
| trainnumber = 17201 / 17202
| speed = {{convert|48|km/h|0|abbr=on}} average including halts.
| map = 250px
| map_state =
}}
The 17201 / 17202 Golconda Express is an intercity express train running between Secunderabad and Guntur.{{cite web|title=Train Name Index|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/TAG_2015-16/Train_Name_index.pdf|website=Portal of Indian Railways|accessdate=31 May 2017|page=5|format=PDF}} It is provided with stoppage at Pedakakani railway station with effect from 1 May 2011.
Etymology
This train is named after the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. It is one of the important landmark in Hyderabad built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Hyderabad.
In 1973, this service was the fastest steam passenger train in India.{{citation |title=The Great Trains |page=206 |publisher=Rh Value Publishing |author=Bryan Morgan |year=1985}}
Route & halts
The train runs from {{stnlnk|Guntur}} via {{stnlnk|Mangalagiri}}, {{stnlnk|Vijayawada}}, {{stnlnk|Kondapalli}}, {{stnlnk|Errupalem}},
{{stnlnk|Madhira}},
{{stnlnk|Khammam}}, {{stnlnk|Dornakal Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Mahabububad}}, {{stnlnk|Warangal}}, {{stnlnk|Kazipet}}, {{stnlnk|Jangaon}}, {{stnlnk|Bhongir}}, {{stnlnk|Moula Ali}} {{stnlnk|Charlapalli}} to {{stnlnk|Secunderabad}}.
Traction
It is hauled by a Lallaguda Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive on its entire journey.
Rake sharing
The train shares its rake with 17233/17234 Bhagyanagar Express.
Accidents and incidents
On the morning of 2 July 2003, part of the Secunderabad-bound Golconda Express fell from a bridge near Warangal, killing at least 21 people.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/03train.htm|title=Golconda Express toll rises to 21 |date= 3 July 2003 |work=Rediff|accessdate=1 January 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/02train.htm|title= Golconda Express derails, 18 dead |last=V Subrahmanyam and D Krishna Reddy |date= 2 July 2003 |accessdate=1 January 2010}} In 1999, the train derailed near Ghanpur (Station) in Warangal district of Telangana.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Gautami-Express-fire-Warangal-district-witness-to-many-train-accidents-/articleshow/3320110.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025174409/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-03/hyderabad/27897972_1_gautami-express-fire-golconda-express-train-accidents|url-status=live|archive-date=25 October 2012|title=Gautami Express fire: Warangal district witness to many train accidents |date=3 August 2008|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 January 2010}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{South Central Railway zone|state=expanded}}
{{Railways in Southern India}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Golconda Express}}
Category:Transport in Secunderabad
Category:Railway services introduced in 1969