New Intercity exp evokes good response in Nellore

Nellore: Rail passengers are now enjoying their journey between Gudur and Vijayawada on the newly introduced train, Vijayawada-Gudur Intercity Superfast Express. The train occupancy is in the range of over 85 per cent as timings are convenient for commuting between Vijayawada and Gudur.

Even though, there are many trains, people have to depend on selected trains like Yasvantpur Express, Kerala Express, and others in the early hours to reach the capital city. But the newly introduced superfast express train is very convenient that starts at 6.10 am and reaches Vijayawada by 10.40 am. In the return direction, it starts at 6 pm in Vijayawada and reaches Gudur by 10.30 pm.

Ministry of Railways introduced the German technology based Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches for the safety and comfort of the passengers. The modern LHB coaches incorporate a host of safety features like anti-telescopic (do not over turn even in case of any collision), lighter in weight, hold heavier carrying capacity, suited for better speeds of up to 160 kmph and carry a Centre Buffer Coupling between coaches for ensuring a strong and safe link of the entire train, according to officials.

The new train rake is built to carry more of passengers with 1,116 seating capacity. The superfast express has also gained recognition as the first ever train over Vijayawada division to operate with Head On Generation (HOG) power supply system, wherein the power requirement of the train is drawn from the overhead electrical wires through electric locomotives.

This measure to run the fans/lights and air-conditioning of the coaches through electricity instead of diesel fuel generated power as earlier. "The train is really a convenient in terms of comfort and suitable time. Passengers are expressing happy to travel in the early hours without any difficulty for seating.

As Vice-President of India suggested, it shouldn't be extended to other stations keeping in view of convenience of the population of south coastal region," said A Venkata Ramana from Nellore city.