Indian Railways is set to launch a new direct weekly Humsafar Express train service between Srikakulam Road and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. This decision marks the fulfillment of a 75-year-old dream for the residents of Srikakulam district. The Ministry of Railways confirmed that the regular service will commence from April 13, 2026, providing a much-needed link for devotees traveling to the holy city of Tirupati.
What is the schedule for the Srikakulam-Tirupati Humsafar Express?
The train will operate as a weekly service connecting two major regions of Andhra Pradesh. The schedule ensures that passengers can travel comfortably overnight. Previously, this service operated as a special train, but it has now been regularized following an official announcement on April 9, 2026. The return service from Tirupati is scheduled to start from April 19, 2026.
| Train Number | From | To | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17440 | Srikakulam Road | Tirupati | 15:00 (Mon) | 08:10 (Tue) | Weekly |
| 17439 | Tirupati | Srikakulam Road | 16:55 (Sun) | 12:30 (Mon) | Weekly |
Key features and stoppages of the new train service
The Humsafar Express consists of 22 coaches in total, including 15 Third AC coaches and four Sleeper Class coaches. This service is designed to eliminate the Vizag shuffle, where passengers previously had to travel to Visakhapatnam to catch long-distance trains. Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu played a key role in securing approval for this service to benefit the local population.
- Major Stoppages: Vizianagaram, Duvvada, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Nellore.
- Total Coaches: 22 including a pantry car and generator vans.
- Travel Duration: The journey takes about 17 hours and 10 minutes from Srikakulam.
- Intermediate Stations: Includes stops at Chipurupalli, Kottavalasa, Elamanchili, and Renigunta.