Anantapur-Bengaluru train flagged off

The much-awaited direct train service from Anantapur to Bengaluru was flagged off by Anantapur MP Ambica G. Lakshminarayana from the Anantapur railway station, on Wednesday. District Collector Vinod Kumar V., Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha and DRM Chandrasekhar Gupta were also present during the occasion. The train no. 66560, which now runs from Anantapur to Bengaluru, used to run between Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district and KSR Bengaluru railway station under the Western Railways.

Speaking after flagging off the train, Mr. Lakshminarayana said that the railway authorities have said that a separate pilot has to be allotted for the train which will start from Anantapur as it falls under South Central Railways (SCR). The MP said that he had taken up the issue with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and other senior railway officials, and got the train extended till Anantapur.

Earlier, the train used to have eight compartments and now it has been extended to 12, said Mr. Lakshminarayana.

The long-cherished dream of the people of Anantapur has finally come true with the flagging off of the first train starting from the district, the MP said. He said that extension of the train service will be especially beneficial for students, parents, traders, and local residents traveling for medical and other emergency purposes. Highlighting cost effectiveness of rail transport, he stated that passengers can travel from Anantapur to Bengaluru for just ₹50.

The MP expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their support in enhancing the rail infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh. He further informed that the State has received a record budget allocation of ₹9,417 crore for the financial year 2025–26, the highest-ever compared to previous years.

Mr. Lakshminarayana also said the Anantapur railway station is being redeveloped at a cost of ₹29.20 crores in a phased manner under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The redeveloped station will be equipped with modern passenger amenities and world-class facilities, he said. Additionally, Dharmavaram, Hindupuram, Tadipatri, and Gooty railway stations will also be redeveloped under the ABSS, he added.

Meanwhile, Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha appreciated the efforts of the MP in ensuring the extension of train no. 66559/66560 KSR Bengaluru–Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam–KSR Bengaluru MEMU service up to Anantapur. She said that the extended service will cater to the needs of various groups in the society. She also requested for more trains from Anantapur towards Vijayawada and Guntur.

Earlier, Chandrashekar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Guntakal Division said that the extension of the Anantapur–KSR Bengaluru MEMU marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity and re-affirming the Railways’ commitment towards providing best rail infrastructure for the people in the region.

Later, the MP, MLA and railway officials travelled from Anantapur to Prasanayya Palli railway station.

Published - June 04, 2025 07:45 pm IST