AP Chambers is looking for Vande Bharat services to multiple destinations

Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (AP Chambers) President Potluri Bhaskara Rao has asked Sandip Mathur, CEO of the newly created South Coast Railway Zone, to introduce more trains originating from Vijayawada to major destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Pune and other important cities, keeping in view the growing demand from the state.

He sought expansion of Vande Bharat services, including early morning connectivity between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai and Tirupati, besides speeding up the proposed Vijayawada – Bengaluru Vande Bharat service. He called for the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper services to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other remote destinations along with improved Vande Bharat connectivity for Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Guntakal and Tirupati.

On behalf, Mr. Bhaskara Rao said that though Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam divisions were among the highest revenue generating divisions of Indian Railways, Andhra Pradesh remained underserved in terms of rail connectivity, infrastructure development and train allotment. Important divisions like Guntur and Guntakal required improved connectivity and infrastructure support to meet the growing demands of passengers and industry.

Emphasizing the importance of industrial growth and logistics efficiency, Mr. Bhaskara Rao appealed for the development of dedicated freight corridors and strengthening of freight infrastructure to support the state’s ports, manufacturing clusters, mineral resources and export-oriented industries. He emphasized the need for strengthening rail connectivity linking industrial corridors, ports, tourist hubs, pilgrimage sites and emerging economic regions to promote balanced regional development in Andhra Pradesh.

Published – 30 May 2026 0:45 AM IST