Seshadri Express
{{short description|Train in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail service
| name = Seshadri Express
| image= File:Kakinada bound Seshadri Express at Samalkot Junction with WDP1 twin locomotives.jpg
| caption = Seshadri Express pulled by WDP-1A at Samarlakota Junction
| type = Express
| status = Operating
| locale = Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
| first = {{Start date and age|2002|12|24}} (initial service between Kakinada Town and Tirupati)
{{Start date and age|2005}} (extended to KSR Bengaluru)
{{Start date and age|2022|10|02}} (change of terminus from KSR Bengaluru to SMVT Bengaluru)
| last =
| operator = South Coast Railway zone
| ridership =
| start = Kakinada Town (CCT)
| stops =35
| end = SMVT Bengaluru (SVMB)
| distance = {{convert|959|km|0|abbr=on}}
| journeytime = 18 hours 45 minutes
| frequency = Daily
| class =
| seating = Yes
| sleeping = Yes
| autorack =
| catering =
| observation = Standard Indian Railways coaches
| entertainment =
| baggage =
| other facilities=
| stock = 4
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm|allk=on}}
| el =
| trainnumber = 17209 / 17210
| speed = {{convert|50|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
| map = File:Seshadri Express Route map.jpg
| map_state =
| sharing = 17235/17236 SMVT Bengaluru–Nagercoil Express
[https://indiarailinfo.com/train/kochuveli-nagercoil-intercity-special-06429/59867/1009/801 06426/06427 Nagercoil–Kollam Express Special]
[https://indiarailinfo.com/train/kochuveli-nagercoil-intercity-special-06429/59867/1009/801 06429/06430 Kochuveli–Nagercoil Express Special]
}}
The Seshadri Express is a train in India, named after the Seshadri Hills of Tirupati. The train's inaugural run was between Andhra Pradesh's coastal city of Kakinada to temple pilgrimage city of Tirupati. In 2005, it was extended to Bengaluru in neighboring Karnataka. From October 2 , 2022 it's terminal has changed to Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal. Seshadri Express is more often or not late {{citation needed|date=March 2015}}
History
It was started in 2002. Prior to the Seshadri Express, a link express from Kakinada, which consisted of 12 compartments, was connected to the Tirumala Express which runs from {{stnlnk|Visakhapatnam}} to {{stnlnk|Tirupati}} and {{stnlnk|Samalkot Junction}}, these two trains were coupled & combinedly run together till Tirupati Main. Keeping in mind the growing demand for a new train to the pilgrim centre, the government introduced the Seshadri Express in 2002 and extended it up to Bengaluru. The train thus runs through the loop path of Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram, Gudivada, and Vijayawada to cater to the needs of the Godavari and Krishna district.
Coach composition
The Seshadri Express runs between Kakinada and Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, Bangalore, via Tirupati. It is currently being operated with 17209 / 17210 train numbers. It is one of the busiest trains, running with 23 coaches at full capacity at all times.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} It has 8 AC, 11 Sleeper, 2 second-class general compartments, and 2 luggage cum brake vans.
Route
- Kakinada Town
- Samarlakota Junction
- Anaparthi
- Rajamahendravaram
- Nidadavolu Junction
- Tanuku
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/attili-al/1304 Attili]
- Bhimavaram Town Halt
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/akividu-akvd/1302 Akividu]
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/kaikaluru-kklr/1301 Kaikaluru]
- Gudivada Junction
- Vijayawada Junction (Locomotive change from WDG-3A (earlier WDP-1A) to WAP-4 and vice-versa)
- Tenali Junction
- Nidubrolu
- Bapatla
- Chirala
- Ongole
- Singarayakonda
- Kavali
- Nellore
- Gudur Junction
- Srikalahasti
- Renigunta Junction
- Tirupati
- Pakala Junction
- Chittoor
- Katpadi Junction
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/gudiyattam-gym/987 Gudiyattam]
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/vaniyambadi-vn/429 Vaniyambadi]
- Jolarpettai Junction
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/kuppam-kpn/989 Kuppam]
- Bangarapete Junction
- [https://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/malur-mlo/991 Maluru]
- Whitefield
- Krishnarajapura
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal, Bengaluru
Timings
- Train 17210{{cite web|url= http://indiarailinfo.com/train/seshadri-express-17210-cct-to-sbc/1545/1200/136 |title = Time Table of Train No. 17210}} departs Kakinada Town at 17:30 to reach Tirupati at 5:30 am and SVMT Bengaluru at 12:30 pm the next day.
- In return, Train No. 17209,{{cite web|url= http://indiarailinfo.com/train/seshadri-express-17209-sbc-to-cct/1544/136/1200 |title = Time Table of Train No. 17209}} Seshadri Express, has been revised with effect from 30 Jun 2019, and leaves SVMT Bengaluru 11:00 am, Tirupati at 5:15 pm and Kakinada Town at 6:45 am the next day.
Hence, this train acts as a night express between Godavari district places and the pilgrimage centre of Tirupati, and also as an Intercity express between Tirupati and Bangalore.
Gallery
File:Sesadri express near kr puram.jpg|Sesadri Express near KR Puram
File:Seshadri Exp. (31865484931).jpg|Seshadri Express