499-km Service via Vijayawada to Connect Coastal and Central Andhra Pradesh with Gudivada, Vinukonda, Nandyal and Other Key Towns

Posted On: 28 September 2026 | PIB Delhi

Indian Railways has approved a new tri-weekly Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express via Vijayawada, adding a new rail connectivity option between the coastal and central regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The 499-km service will connect Machilipatnam and Kurnool City while providing direct rail access to several towns along the route, including Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Nandyal and Dhone.

For the travel and hospitality sector, the new service could improve access between coastal and inland markets while supporting leisure, business and regional travel across Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights

• New tri-weekly Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express approved.
• Service will operate via Vijayawada.
• The train will cover approximately 499 km.
• Machilipatnam–Kurnool journey: 16:55 to 05:45 the following day.
• Kurnool–Machilipatnam journey: 09:30 to 21:35.
• Machilipatnam–Kurnool service will run on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Kurnool–Machilipatnam service will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
• Key stops include Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Markapur Road, Giddalur, Nandyal and Dhone.
• The service strengthens connectivity between coastal and central Andhra Pradesh.

New Rail Link Connects Coastal and Central Andhra Pradesh

The new Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express will provide an additional passenger rail option across a 499-km corridor.

The train will depart Machilipatnam at 4:55 PM and reach Kurnool City at 5:45 AM the following day. In the return direction, it will leave Kurnool City at 9:30 AM and arrive at Machilipatnam at 9:35 PM on the same day.

The tri-weekly schedule provides connectivity across multiple population and commercial centres between the coastal and inland regions of the state.

Multiple Towns Gain Direct Connectivity

The service will make commercial stops at Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Donakonda, Markapur Road, Cumbum, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Betamcherla and Dhone.

By connecting these locations through a single rail service, the train can provide passengers with additional options for regional travel, business movement and access to larger commercial centres.

Potential Boost for Regional Tourism

The coastal-to-inland character of the route gives the service relevance for tourism as well as everyday passenger mobility.

Improved rail connectivity can make it easier for travellers to combine destinations across different parts of Andhra Pradesh, while also supporting access to cultural, religious and leisure attractions located along or near the corridor.

For smaller towns, increased rail accessibility can also help local tourism businesses reach a wider potential visitor market.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel & Tourism

The new train could generate opportunities across the regional hospitality ecosystem:

• Hotel and accommodation demand: Improved rail access can support visitor movement and overnight stays in connected towns.
• Food & beverage: Restaurants, cafés and local food businesses can benefit from greater passenger and visitor flows.
• Religious and cultural tourism: Easier access to destinations around the corridor can support pilgrimage and heritage travel.
• Weekend and short-distance travel: Additional rail options can encourage more flexible regional itineraries.
• Business travel: Connectivity between Vijayawada, Kurnool and intermediate commercial centres can facilitate business movement.
• Local transport: Auto, taxi, bus and other last-mile services can benefit from increased passenger traffic.
• Destination development: Improved connectivity can support tourism enterprises in smaller and emerging destinations.

Industry Takeaway

The 499-km Machilipatnam–Kurnool City Express strengthens passenger connectivity between coastal and central Andhra Pradesh while bringing several intermediate towns onto a new direct rail corridor.

For hospitality and tourism stakeholders, the service adds another layer of regional mobility, potentially supporting leisure travel, pilgrimage, business movement and visitor spending across destinations connected by the route.