
Sat Jun 28 10:32:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Ministry of Railways has announced a new weekly express train connecting Tirupati and Chikkamagaluru. Train number 17423/17424 will depart Tirupati on Thursdays and Chikkamagaluru on Fridays, with numerous stops including Pakkala, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Kuppam, Bangarapet, Whitefield, Krishnaraja Puram, SMVB Bengaluru, and Tumakuru. Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Shrinivas Poojari expressed his delight, stating the train was a long-held dream fulfilled with the support of railway officials, and anticipates future expansion to thrice-weekly service.
**News Article:**
**New Weekly Express Train to Connect Tirupati and Chikkamagaluru**
**Shivamogga, June 28, 2025** – The Ministry of Railways announced today the launch of a new weekly express train connecting Tirupati and Chikkamagaluru. The train, numbered 17423/17424, will provide a direct rail link between the two cities, fulfilling a long-standing demand from residents.
According to an order issued by Vivek Kumar Sinha, Joint Director (Coaching) of the Railway Board, the train will depart from Tirupati every Thursday and from Chikkamagaluru every Friday.
The train will make several stops along its route, including Pakkala, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Kuppam, Bangarapet, Whitefield, Krishnaraja Puram, SMVB Bengaluru, Chikka Banavara, Tumakuru, Tiptur, Arasikere, Devanur, Biruru, Kadur, Bisalehalli, and Sakharayapatna.
Kota Shrinivas Poojari, Lok Sabha member of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, celebrated the announcement, calling it a “dream fulfilled.” He expressed gratitude to Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support in making the project a reality. Poojari also stated his hopes for the service to eventually operate thrice a week.
“The express train to Tirupati has been the long-pending dream of the people of Chikkamagaluru,” Poojari said on social media. “I wish the people of Chikkamagaluru make better use of the facility.”
The inaugural date of the new train service will be announced at a later date.