The South Central Railway (SCR) and the iconic train connecting Hyderabad with Visakhapatnam, Godavari Express, completed 50 years of service today. The train, which was introduced on February 9, 1974, has been a lifeline for millions of passengers travelling between the two cities and beyond.
To mark the occasion, the Lallaguda (LGD) WAP 7 30611 locomotive, which hauls the train, has been named as Godavari. The locomotive has also been given a special livery, featuring the logo of SCR, the name of the train in Telugu and English, and a picture of the Godavari river. Several rail-enthusiasts have decorated the train with flowers, balloons, and banners, and greeted the passengers and crew with sweets and applause.
The Godavari Express, which runs daily, covers a distance of 700 km in about 12 hours, with 20 halts en route. The train has 24 coaches, including AC, sleeper, and general classes, and can carry up to 1,800 passengers. The train is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and comfort, and has won several awards and accolades over the years.
The SCR officials said that the Godavari Express has been a symbol of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, and has contributed to the socio-economic development of the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They also thanked the passengers, staff, and rail-fans for their support and patronage, and assured that the train will continue to serve the people with the same dedication and excellence in the future.
