Push for Balaji Railway Division Gains Momentum in Tirupati

The long-pending demand for a separate Balaji Railway Division in Tirupati has resurfaced with renewed urgency, with stakeholders urging the South Coast Railway to consider administrative restructuring and large-scale infrastructure expansion in the temple city.

Balaji Railway Division Sadhana Samiti convener Kuppala Giridhar Kumar submitted a fresh memorandum to South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur during his visit to Tirupati on Saturday, seeking immediate consideration of the proposal.

The delegation argued that a dedicated railway division headquartered in Tirupati would significantly strengthen rail infrastructure in the Rayalaseema region and generate employment opportunities for local youth. It also highlighted Tirupati’s growing profile as a major pilgrimage destination and commercial centre, stating that it required focused railway planning and investment.

Alongside the demand for a separate division, the delegation sought modernisation of Tiruchanur and Chandragiri railway stations with improved passenger amenities, citing increasing pilgrim and commuter traffic.

Key proposals included the extension of the Vijayawada–Gudur Intercity Express up to Tirupati to improve regional connectivity. The memorandum also called for the introduction of Vande Bharat services linking Tirupati with Visakhapatnam, Mysuru, Coimbatore and Madurai, as well as a Vijayawada–Bengaluru service routed via Tirupati.

The Samiti further sought major infrastructure additions, including an electric locomotive shed, a zonal staff training centre and additional pit lines at Pakala, stating that these facilities would enhance operational efficiency and support regional economic growth.