Chennai: Pilgrims heading to the temple city of Tirupati from Chennai can now reach their destination in around one-and-a-half hours - compared to over three hours earlier – following the recent introduction of the Chennai-Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express.
Incidentally, the railway is conducting the Vande Bharat service through Renigunta station – which is a mere nine km from Tirupati – avoiding the regular Chennai-Vijayawada route to benefit the pilgrim travellers.
The service is available on all days, except Tuesday. Departing from Chennai at 5.30 am, the Vijayawada Vande Bharat arrives at Tirupati at 7.10 am. On the return trip, the train reaches Tirupati at 8.05 pm and Chennai by 10 pm. The ticket fare is Rs 520 for the chair car and Rs 1005 for the executive class.
Meanwhile, rail users have demanded a stop for the Vijayawada Vande Bharat at Arakkonam to enable passengers from other areas in Tamil Nadu to utilize the service.
