Fri Jan 16 17:56:40 UTC 2026: Headline: Demand Grows for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains on East Coast Railway

The Story:
On January 16, 2026, Kanchumurthi Eswar, a Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) member of East Coast Railway (ECoR), met with Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra to advocate for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains connecting Visakhapatnam to Bengaluru via Chennai and Tirupati. Eswar also requested a stop at Duvvada for the existing Visakhapatnam – Secunderabad Vande Bharat express.

Key Points:

  • The request was made on January 16, 2026.
  • Kanchumurthi Eswar, a ZRUCC member, presented the representation.
  • The demand is for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains from Visakhapatnam to Bengaluru (via Chennai and Tirupati).
  • A halt at Duvvada is requested for the Visakhapatnam – Secunderabad Vande Bharat express.
  • The representation was given to Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra.

Critical Analysis:

The context shows several announcements regarding special trains and services across Southern and Central Railways. This suggests a broader trend of railway infrastructure expansion and enhanced connectivity initiatives in India. The demand for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains aligns with the government’s push for upgrading railway services with modern, high-speed trains.

Key Takeaways:

  • There is increasing public demand for enhanced railway connectivity and modern train services in India.
  • The Vande Bharat Express continues to be a popular and sought-after mode of transport.
  • Regional representatives play a vital role in voicing the needs of railway users.

Impact Analysis:

If the East Coast Railway approves the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on the requested route, it will significantly improve connectivity between Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Tirupati. This will benefit travelers, boost tourism, and potentially drive economic growth in the region. The inclusion of a stop at Duvvada will also improve access for local commuters. This event highlights a continuing modernization and expansion of Indian Railways, with long-term implications for regional development and transport infrastructure.

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