Golconda Express

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.

Golconda Express

Overview
Service type	Express
Locale	Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
First service	1 March 1969; 56 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

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]