New train to Chennai flagged off

To run via Mahabubnagar, Kurnool, Cuddapah, fulfilling Rayalaseema people's dream

CONNECTIVITY ON RIGHT TRACK: Anjan Kumar Yadav, MP, flagging off the new train at Secunderabad station on Sunday.

HYDERABAD : Secunderabad MP Anjan Kumar Yadav flagged off the Secunderabad-Chennai Egmore Express, the third express train to Chennai from the twin cities here on Sunday. It will run via Mahabubnagar, Kurnool and Cuddapah fulfilling a long-cherished dream of people of Rayalaseema for a direct train to Chennai.

The new train (Train No. 7052) was announced during last year's budget and it took a year for the railways to get it on the rails.

With two AC two-tier coaches, one AC three tier, nine sleeper class coaches besides two general second class compartments, it would leave Secunderabad at 3 p.m. and reach Chennai at 6.40 a.m. the next day travelling 779 km in 15 hours and 40 minutes.

Other trains

The other trains to Chennai are: Chennai Express (Train No. 7054) travels 715 km in 14 hours and five minutes traversing via Nalgonda, Nadikudi and Guntur; Charminar Express (Train No. 2760) travels 790 km in 14 hours and 10 minutes via Kazipet and Vijayawada.

Saying the recent railway budget took care of the needs of the poor, Mr. Yadav said he would meet Railway Minister Lalu Prasad shortly and explain to him the need for more projects for the region.

However, Rajya Sabha member K. Ramamohana Rao was unsparing on his criticism on the budget allocation for the SCR. "SCR tops in earnings but unfortunately it is not reflected in the new projects whether it is laying new lines, pending projects, electrification or passenger amenities.

All the MPs belonging to the State will take it up with the Railway Ministry," he said.

The State Government too should play a more pro-active role, he maintained.

SCR Divisional Railway Manager Sudhir Mittal said Secunderabad station was one of the best in country and was getting top priority in providing passenger amenities and cleanliness. Sanitation work was automated and soon it would be introduced in the trains too.