Visakhapatnam: Despite persistent passenger demand, several highly patronized trains from Visakhapatnam Junction continue to run on a weekly basis, even after a decade of operation. Railway users are urging authorities to convert these into daily services to accommodate the growing demand.
Overcrowding & Rising Demand
Data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Kanchumurti Eswar of Duvvada, a Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) member of East Coast Railway (ECoR), highlights the surge in passenger occupancy:
- Train No. 18503 Visakhapatnam–Sai Nagar Shirdi (SNSI) Express (introduced in 2012) saw an occupancy rate of 167.72% (April 2023 – March 2024) and 165.21% (April – December 2024).
- Train No. 18567 Visakhapatnam–Kollam (Quilon) Express (introduced in 2014) had 164.41% and 163.98% occupancy for the same periods.
- Train No. 20803 Visakhapatnam–Gandhidham SF Express had 197.94% (April 2023 – March 2024) and 179.07% (April – December 2024).
- Train No. 22801 Visakhapatnam–Chennai Central Weekly SF Express recorded 138.8% and 139.92% occupancy.
With Waiting List (WL) numbers rising from 227 to 805 (April-December 2024), passengers are struggling to secure tickets.
No Direct Alternatives for Pilgrims
Passengers, especially pilgrims and tourists, face difficulties as there are no direct flights from Visakhapatnam to Shirdi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Gandhidham. These long-distance trains run once a week, forcing travelers to wait another week for the next available train.
Call for Increased Frequency
Mr. Eswar emphasized that daily services would not only benefit travelers but also boost railway revenue. He urged railway authorities to convert these high-demand weekly trains into daily services to ease travel woes and enhance connectivity.
