Indian Railways has approved a new tri-weekly Express train connecting Machilipatnam and Kurnool via Vijayawada, providing an additional rail link between coastal and central Andhra Pradesh. Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry announced the approval on Monday, describing the service as an important addition for passengers across the region.

The 499-km service will benefit passengers from Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Markapur Road, Giddalur and Nandyal, among other locations. The route is expected to improve access to rail travel for residents in towns and villages situated between the two terminal stations.

The Machilipatnam-Kurnool City train will depart from Machilipatnam at 4.55 pm and arrive in Kurnool at 5.45 am the following day. The service will operate from Machilipatnam on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, giving passengers three weekly departure options.

The return train will leave Kurnool at 9.30 am and reach Machilipatnam at 9.35 pm. Return services will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, creating a regular connection in both directions while allowing overnight travel from Machilipatnam to Kurnool.

Balashowry expressed appreciation to the Union Railway Ministry for approving the train. He said the improved connectivity would assist passengers travelling for education, healthcare and employment, and added that he would continue efforts to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve passenger amenities in the Machilipatnam Parliamentary constituency. The service will also provide another travel option for passengers using Vijayawada as a regional transport hub.