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BJP MLA Seeks More Vande Bharat Train Services from Vizag
In a pressing appeal to the Union Railway Minister, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, the MLA representing Visakhapatnam North, has called for the introduction of new and additional Vande Bharat overnight train services from Visakhapatnam. His request comes on the heels of successful flight validation tests conducted at the newly developed greenfield international airport in Bhogapuram. However, this impending transition raises significant concerns regarding the logistical challenges and financial implications that may burden domestic air travelers, particularly on shorter routes like Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad.
Concerns Over Increased Travel Times
In his letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mr. Raju articulated the complications that the relocation of flight operations from the current city airport to Bhogapuram, anticipated to happen in June or July 2026, would entail for the city’s substantial passenger base, which numbers around 250,000 monthly air travelers. He observed that the travel time from Visakhapatnam to the new airport located in the Vizianagaram district is expected to be nearly two hours. When one accounts for the mandatory pre-departure check-in period of two hours, passengers could face a total travel duration of approximately six hours for what are typically short-haul flights, such as those to Vijayawada.
Financial Implications for Travelers
Beyond the considerable increase in time, Mr. Raju cautioned against the financial strain this transition could impose on travelers. Anticipated taxi fares to the new Bhogapuram airport are projected to fall between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000, a sum that often surpasses the actual airfare to various destinations including Vijayawada. This highlights the reality that the shift could make intercity travel prohibitively expensive for many residents.
Potential Cost Savings through Enhanced Rail Connectivity
Arguing for the urgency of improved train services, Mr. Raju mentioned that bolstering the Vande Bharat train connections might yield substantial cost savings. It is estimated that upgrading rail services could lead to annual fuel savings ranging from ₹600 crore to ₹900 crore by decreasing reliance on private taxi services to the outlying airport.
Vision for Economic Growth
The MLA underscored that with the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) targeting an ambitious goal of a $130 billion GDP and the creation of 20 million new jobs by 2032, establishing a robust and cost-effective rail network is of paramount importance. He has labelled the Vande Bharat trains as a ‘logical, economical, and passenger-friendly alternative’ that could streamline transportation within the region.
A Call for Urgent Action
Stressing the need to prioritize the Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada route, which boasts a competitive travel time of approximately 4.5 hours, Mr. Raju has urged the Railway Ministry to expedite the introduction of overnight services not only to Vijayawada but also to other significant destinations, including Hyderabad, Tirupati, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
“Transitioning air travelers to high-speed rail for regional sectors is imperative to ensure that Visakhapatnam does not evolve into an expensive and time-consuming travel hub,” Mr. Raju concluded. “We hold hope that the Railway Minister will heed our request and take the necessary steps toward enhancing rail connectivity in our region.”
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