Godavari Express
The Godavari Express is a daily superfast express train operated by the South Central Railway zone of Indian Railways, providing an overnight connection between Hyderabad Deccan Nampally in Telangana and Visakhapatnam Junction in Andhra Pradesh over a distance of 709 kilometers, with a scheduled travel time of 12 hours and 50 minutes at an average speed of 55 km/h.[1] Introduced on 1 February 1974, the train was named after the Godavari River due to its service to multiple stations in the East and West Godavari districts, marking a key link for passengers in the Telugu-speaking regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[2] It celebrated its golden jubilee on 2 February 2024, highlighting its enduring popularity and role as an iconic service that has maintained over 125% occupancy despite the introduction of faster trains like the Vande Bharat Express and Duronto Express.[2][3] Over the decades, its maximum speed has been upgraded from an initial 50 km/h to 130 km/h, improving efficiency while preserving its reputation for punctuality and comfort.[2][3] The train operates as pair 12727 (Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad) and 12728 (Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam), running on broad gauge tracks with accommodations in first AC (1A), second AC (2A), third AC (3A), and sleeper class (SL), though pantry car services are not available.[1] For the southbound 12728 service, it departs Hyderabad at 17:05, halts briefly at Secunderabad Junction (17:25–17:30), and proceeds through key intermediate stops including Kazipet Junction (19:13–19:15), Warangal (19:38–19:40), Vijayawada Junction (22:30–22:40 for a 10-minute halt), Rajahmundry (00:43–00:45), and Anakapalle (04:19–04:20), before arriving at Visakhapatnam at 05:55 the next day.[1] The northbound 12727 follows a reverse schedule, departing Visakhapatnam at 17:20 and reaching Hyderabad at 06:15 after 12 hours and 55 minutes, with similar stops such as Duvvada (17:45–17:47) and Vijayawada (23:15–23:30).[4] This route serves 20 intermediate stations across 21 total halts, facilitating connectivity for major urban centers, coastal districts, and rural areas in the region.[1] Renowned for its reliability since its inception, the Godavari Express continues to be the preferred choice for overnight travel between the two cities, often outpacing competitors in passenger preference due to its convenient timing and extensive stoppage network, even as of late 2025 with consistent high demand evidenced by long waiting lists for sleeper class bookings.[3]Route
Major Stations and Stops
The Godavari Express traces a northeastward path from its origin in Telangana, crossing into Andhra Pradesh and skirting the Godavari River basin, which lends the train its name and underscores its role in linking inland agrarian and industrial areas with coastal trade centers. This geographical progression facilitates seamless travel across diverse terrains, from the rocky Deccan landscapes to the fertile deltas and hilly coastal zones, covering districts in both states including Hyderabad, Warangal, Mahabubabad, and Khammam in Telangana, and Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, Kakinada, Anakapalli, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.[5] The route's stops emphasize connectivity to regional hubs, allowing passengers from the Hyderabad metropolitan area to access key economic nodes in the Godavari districts and beyond, such as agricultural markets, ports, and urban agglomerations along the eastern seaboard. By serving junctions and towns en route, the train supports daily commuters, traders, and tourists traveling between Telangana's interior and Andhra Pradesh's coastal and Odisha-bordering regions.[3] The train serves 21 stations overall, but its 18 major stops highlight critical points for boarding, alighting, and transfers. These include:| Sequence | Station Name | Code | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderabad Deccan Nampally | HYB | Origin in Telangana's capital region, primary departure point for metropolitan passengers. |
| 2 | Secunderabad Junction | SC | Major Hyderabad hub, serving as a key interchange for northern Telangana routes. |
| 3 | Kazipet Junction | KZJ | Vital junction in northern Telangana, connecting to central Indian lines. |
| 4 | Warangal | WL | Historical and industrial center in Telangana, access to surrounding rural districts. |
| 5 | Mahbubabad | MABD | Regional stop in northwestern Telangana, linking local agricultural areas. |
| 6 | Khammam | KMT | Border town in Telangana, gateway to Andhra Pradesh with connectivity to coal and power sectors. |
| 7 | Vijayawada Junction | BZA | Premier junction in Andhra Pradesh, major transfer point for southern coastal routes. |
| 8 | Eluru | EE | Urban center in West Godavari district, serving educational and commercial hubs. |
| 9 | Tadepalligudem | TDD | Town in West Godavari, providing access to delta farmlands and small industries. |
| 10 | Nidadavolu Junction | NDD | Junction in West Godavari, facilitating links to inland Andhra networks. |
| 11 | Rajahmundry | RJY | Prominent city on the Godavari River in East Godavari district, cultural and economic node. |
| 12 | Anaparti | APT | Riverside stop in East Godavari, connecting to local rice and aquaculture economies. |
| 13 | Samalkot Junction | SLO | Key junction in Kakinada district, serving as a hub for temple towns and rail branches. |
| 14 | Pithapuram | PAP | Pilgrimage site in Kakinada district, access to religious and coastal communities. |
| 15 | Annavaram | ANV | Important stop near a major temple in Kakinada district. |
| 16 | Tuni | TUNI | Town in Kakinada district, linking to rural and fishing areas near the coast. |
| 17 | Anakapalle | AKP | Urban outpost in Anakapalli district, proximity to the port city. |
| 18 | Visakhapatnam Junction | VSKP | Destination in Andhra Pradesh, major port and industrial terminus. |