Golconda Express

Golconda Express
Overview
Service typeExpress
LocaleTelangana & Andhra Pradesh
First service1 March 1969; 55 years ago (1969-03-01)
Current operator(s)South Central Railways
Route
TerminiGuntur (GNT)
Secunderabad (SC)
Stops22
Distance travelled385 km (239 mi)
Average journey time8 hrs 15 min
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)17201 / 17202
On-board services
Class(es)AC Chair Car, Second Seating, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsNo
Catering facilitiesOn-board catering
E-catering
Observation facilitiesRake sharing with 17233/17234 Bhagyanagar Express
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed48 km/h (30 mph) average with halts
Route map

The 17201 / 17202 Golconda Express is an intercity express train running between Secunderabad and Guntur.[1] It is provided with stoppage at Pedakakani railway station with effect from 1 May 2011.

Etymology

This train is named after the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. It is one of the important landmark in Hyderabad built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Hyderabad.

In 1973, this service was the fastest steam passenger train in India.[2]

17202 Guntur bound Golconda Express

Route & halts

The train runs from Guntur via Mangalagiri, Vijayawada, Kondapalli, Errupalem, Madhira, Khammam, Dornakal Junction, Mahabububad,Warangal, Kazipet, Jangaon, Bhongir, Moula Ali to Secunderabad.

Traction

It is hauled by a Lallaguda Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive on its entire journey.

Rake sharing

The train shares its rake with 17233/17234 Bhagyanagar Express.

Accidents and incidents

On the morning of 2 July 2003, part of the Secunderabad-bound Golconda Express fell from a bridge near Warangal, killing at least 21 people.[3][4] In 1999, the train derailed near Ghanpur (Station) in Warangal district of Telangana.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Train Name Index" (PDF). Portal of Indian Railways. p. 5. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  2. ^ Bryan Morgan (1985), The Great Trains, Rh Value Publishing, p. 206
  3. ^ "Golconda Express toll rises to 21". Rediff. 3 July 2003. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  4. ^ V Subrahmanyam and D Krishna Reddy (2 July 2003). "Golconda Express derails, 18 dead". Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Gautami Express fire: Warangal district witness to many train accidents". The Times of India. 3 August 2008. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2010.