Golconda Express

Golconda Express

Overview
Service type	Express
Locale	Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
First service	1 March 1969; 55 years ago (1969-03-01)
Current operator(s)	South Central Railway
Route
Termini	Guntur (GNT) Secunderabad (SC)
Stops	22
Distance travelled	385 km (239 mi)
Average journey time	8 hours 15 minutes
Service frequency	Daily
Train number(s)	17201 / 17202
On-board services
Class(es)	AC Chair Car, Second Class Seating, General Unreserved
Seating arrangements	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	No
Auto-rack arrangements	Overhead racks
Catering facilities	On-board catering, E-catering
Observation facilities	Rake sharing with 17233/17234 Bhagyanagar Express
Baggage facilities	No
Other facilities	Below the seats
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coach
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	48 km/h (30 mph) average including 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 Charlapalli 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.