The most prestigious train of Twin Telugu States, Train No. 12727/28 Godavari Express completed 50 years of its illustrious run on 1st February, 2024. Train No.12728 Godavari Express arrived at Vijayawada Railway Station at 11:00 pm on Thursday on Platform No. 6. Upon its arrival, SCR Rail Fans, Rail enthusiasts, Railway Officials celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Narendra A Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway, the Chief Guest congratulated the SCR Rail Fans for taking initiative in these celebrations and expressed his delight to be part of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Godavari Express. He said that such trains are part of rich legacy of Indian Railways and deserves to be celebrated with great pride.
Narendra A Patil said that the initially maximum speed of Godavari was 50 kmph and was improved to staggering 130 kmph over the years in permissible sections of Vijayawada and Secunderabad Division. DRM stated that Godavari Express has been and continues to be public’s hot favourite due its convenient timings, spic and span maintenance and bang on punctuality.
A huge cake cutting ceremony was organized by SCR Rail Fans. The Loco Pilots and Maintenance Staff of Godavari Express too expressed their happiness.
The SCR Rail Fans presented mementoes to Narendra A Patil, DRM, Vavilapalli Rambabu, Sr. DCM, Ms. Nusrat Mandrupkar, PRO, P.B. N Prasad, AOM and crew of Godavari Express on the occasion. Specially made souvenir Key chains were distributed to staff and public.
The Godavari Express was colourfully decorated by the SCR Rail Fans for the occasion and steered past Vijayawada Junction in its majestic grandeur amidst huge applause and wide cheers at Vijayawada.
Godavari Express commenced its first journey on 01st February, 1974 and has been serving the denizens of then undivided Andhra Pradesh and current Twin Telugu States in utmost punctual manner with great passion and excellence. Godavari Express runs 706 km on its daily journey covering 17 major stations enroute. Hundreds of people from Viziangaram and Srikakulam districts travel to Secunderabad daily through Godavari Express. The iconic train enjoys unparalleled patronage and has an occupancy rate of over 125% on its every run.
