India Revolutionizes Rail Travel With Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express, Setting A New Standard For Pilgrimage And Regional Connectivity

Published on December 8, 2025

India has revolutionized pilgrimage and regional rail connectivity with the launch of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express, a game-changing service that connects major religious hubs in southern and western India. This new express train offers enhanced convenience, faster travel, and greater comfort for thousands of passengers, particularly devotees traveling between Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Shirdi in Maharashtra. By linking key cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, the service aims to significantly improve interstate travel, boosting tourism, business, and regional economic growth. With its modern amenities and efficient routes, this initiative addresses long-standing travel demands, setting a new standard for rail connectivity across the country.

The launch of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express on December 9, 2025, will mark a major milestone in improving rail connectivity between important southern and western pilgrimage destinations. This new train service aims to better serve the devotees and travelers moving between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The train will connect key stations such as Gudur, Guntur, Secunderabad, Vikarabad, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and Manmad, making travel easier and more efficient for both pilgrims and business travelers.

The Union Railway Minister will flag off the new express service virtually at 10 a.m., and a formal ceremony will take place at the Tirupati Railway Station. This service promises to cater to thousands of passengers, particularly those traveling for spiritual purposes, as it links two highly revered religious destinations – Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Shirdi in Maharashtra. With an expected high demand from pilgrims and tourists, this service will significantly enhance regional connectivity, contributing to the local economy and tourism.

The new express train will operate with a range of LHB coaches, which include 2AC, Sleeper, and General class options. These various coach categories ensure that the train meets the needs of passengers from different walks of life, from those seeking more comfortable travel experiences to those looking for affordable options. With these modern amenities and services, the train aims to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience, catering to passengers’ varying preferences.

The introduction of this express service is expected to have a profound impact on tourism, business travel, and regional transportation. Devotees traveling between Tirupati and Shirdi will now have a quicker and more comfortable means of reaching their destinations. Additionally, the train will also serve those traveling for business, facilitating smoother interstate travel and enhancing economic ties between the three states.

Ahead of the regular schedule, a special inaugural service will run on December 9 and 10, 2025. On December 9, Train No. 07425 will depart from Tirupati at 11:10 a.m., and on December 10, Train No. 07426 will depart from Shirdi at 10:20 p.m. These special trains will allow passengers to experience the service before its regular operation begins.

On December 14, 2025, the weekly regular service (Train Nos. 17425/17426) will officially start. Train No. 17425 will depart from Tirupati every Sunday at 4 a.m., while Train No. 17426 will depart from Sainagar Shirdi every Monday at 7:35 p.m. The weekly frequency of the service ensures that passengers can travel between the two major pilgrimage hubs with ease, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers.

The launch of the Tirupati–Shirdi Express will address long-standing demands for better interstate rail services. Passengers traveling between these pilgrimage centers will no longer face the inconvenience of long travel times or inadequate train services. The new express train will significantly reduce travel time and enhance comfort, which will likely encourage more tourists and devotees to use rail travel as their preferred mode of transport.

In addition to catering to religious travelers, the train is also expected to be a boon for the local economy. As the service connects important cities, it will not only encourage tourism but also boost local businesses and commerce. This will have a positive ripple effect on the region’s economy, particularly in areas around key stations like Secunderabad and Sambhajinagar, where the influx of passengers will increase demand for various goods and services.

The train’s launch is also a part of a broader initiative to modernize the Indian railway network and improve the overall passenger experience. The LHB coaches that will be used for the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade rail travel in India, offering a more comfortable, safer, and efficient service. This express train is expected to become an essential part of the Indian Railway system, setting a precedent for future services that aim to provide better travel options to passengers across the country.

India has transformed regional and pilgrimage travel with the launch of the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express, offering faster, more comfortable journeys between key religious hubs. This new service enhances connectivity, benefiting thousands of devotees and travelers across southern and western India.

Ultimately, the Tirupati–Sainagar Shirdi Express will not only improve connectivity between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra but will also offer greater convenience and comfort for passengers. The regular service will make it easier for devotees to visit two of India’s most sacred temples, while also benefiting business travelers and boosting regional economies. With the launch of this new service, the Indian Railways is taking a significant step toward making train travel more accessible, comfortable, and efficient for all.