Parliament Question: Train Service between Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1653 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2026 TRAIN SERVICE BETWEEN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND HYDERABAD 1653. SHRI HIBI EDEN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has assessed the heavy passenger demand for an additional daily train service between Kerala and Hyderabad, in view of the growing dependence on costly long-distance bus services and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (b) whether the Government is aware that the Thiruvananthapuram– Secunderabad Sabari Express is presently the only daily train connecting Kerala with Hyderabad and takes about 28 hours to cover a distance of 1,555 km; and (c) if so, whether the Government proposes to introduce a new train service between Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad via the shorter route of Mahbubnagar–Kurnool– Dharmavaram and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor including the proposed timeline? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (c) The demand pattern of reserved accommodation on Indian Railways including in the trains serving Kerala and Hyderabad is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean and peak periods. Further, the trains running on popular routes and convenient timings are generally well patronized, however, in other trains, accommodation is generally available. Demand pattern of passenger traffic is monitored on regular basis and based on this assessment, new trains are introduced, special trains are operated during festivals/holidays/summer/winter/ pilgrimage seasons and load of existing trains is augmented on § Page 1 of 3temporary/permanent basis to meet the unmet demand, subject to operational feasibility. With a view to facilitate the passengers of Thiruvananthapuram Central Secunderabad sector, have introduced 17041/17042 Charlapalli Thiruvananthapuram North Amrit Bharat Express w.e.f. 23.01.2026. Accordingly, Thiruvananthapuram Central -Secunderabad sector is presently served by following 02 pairs of trains: SN Train No. and Name 1 17041/17042 Charlapalli - Thiruvananthapuram North Amrit Bharat Express 2 20629/20630 Secunderabad -Thiruvananthapuram Central Sabari Express The shortest route from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Secunderabad is via Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Dharmavaram, and Gooty. However, 20629/20630 Secunderabad -Thiruvananthapuram Central Sabari Express has traditionally operated via Chengannur (the railhead serving the Sabarimala Temple), Kottayam, Coimbatore, and Tirupati. Although this route is longer, it connects several important cities and major pilgrimage destinations, thereby serving a significantly larger passenger base. Further, with effect from 29 September 2025, Indian Railways has reduced the train's journey time by approximately two hours, enabling its conversion into a Superfast service. Besides, introduction of new train/augmentation of existing train services on any route/section, which is an on-going process, depends on various factors which include: ● Capacity of that section ● Availability of path ● Availability of required rolling stock ● Availability of matching infrastructure for rolling stock Page 2 of 3● Maintenance requirement of railway tracks and other assets. ● Occupancy and the traffic requirement of the section. ***** Page 3 of 3