Tirumala, Narayanadri trains to get makeover

​Tirupati: The renowned Tirumala Express is all set to transform itself into a one-of-its-kind train, hosting several places of prominence on its exterior. Not only the superficial, the interiors of the train will soon bear a refreshing look much to the delight of the passengers. South Central Railway (SCR) proposes to redesign the interiors and exteriors of all trains in its jurisdiction to make the travel more fascinating and pleasant.

To start with they have chosen Tirumala Express, which connects maximum number of stations in Andhra Pradesh, to renovate and unveil the local tourist attractions and art crafts on its exteriors. “It is being the most feasible rail route that shuttles between Tirupati and Visakhapatnam covering a distance of 736 kilometres passing through seven railway junctions of SCR,” said a senior official to The Hans India.

After Tirumala Express, they will take up Narayanadri Express for the purpose, which has HA1 coach (first class AC) additionally. This coach will be designed to give a feeling of comfort like in aircraft. The AP Tourism department in its bid to promote art and culture of every district has teamed up with Railways for the purpose.

Under this initiative, SCR has proposed to showcase the tourist attractions like Chandragiri Fort in Tirupati, Kalamkari art work of Sri Kalahasti, Sriharikota in Nellore, Kanakadurga temple of Vijayawada, Kolleru Birds sanctuary in Eluru, Godavari Arch bridge in Rajamahendravaram, Annavaram temple and Hindusthan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam will be featured on the coaches of Tirumala Express.

Also, the interiors of the coach will be designed to meet international standards and give a sophisticated and luxurious facilities with a contemporary look and feel. Eco-friendly bio-toilets are also proposed for these coaches along with shower facilities, which will be the new addition to these coaches. However, the interior designing will be confined to AC coaches for now which will be extended to all coaches later. Tirupati-based architect Vinod Agarwal of “We design architects” was entrusted with the designing responsibilities who gave a power point presentation to General Manager of SCR Vinod Kumar Yadav and Guntakal DRM Vijay Prathap Singh in Tirupati on Monday during their visit to the station.

Complementing the designs, General Manager has asked Vinod Agarwal to give him more designs to choose from and asked to complete the designing of Tirumala Express before Brahmotsavam. The architect has sought some more time and promised to complete it by October 2. During the course of the presentation, the GM has made it clear that they will provide all amenities in Tirupati station, which attracts pilgrims from across the country. In the same breath, they have been modernising the interiors of railway station with mural art forms, modern facilities in waiting halls, renovation of all toilets, advanced open waiting halls.

A premium lounge is coming on the Platform No 1 which will have recliner seats and foot massagers which can be helpful for the pilgrims who go to Tirumala by foot. It will also have bookshelf, refreshments, bathing cubes, advanced toilets among other things. The fourth and fifth platforms in the station will get open waiting halls which wears a modern look and to be equipped with latest seating system. Both the premium lounge and open waiting halls will be readied by the Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara which begins in September and these works are also being carried out by architect Vinod Agarwal.