Why Does the Falaknuma Express between Secunderabad Travel All of Andhra En Route to Howrah?

The Falaknuma Express, a superfast express train operated by Indian Railways connecting Kolkata and Hyderabad, takes a route through various parts of Andhra Pradesh primarily due to historical, geographical, and logistical reasons. This article delves into the historical and practical reasons for this unique route, exploring how passenger demand and logistical efficiency shape the journey of this iconic train.

The Historical and Geographical Context

Historically, the rail network in India developed along existing trade routes and population centers. Key cities were connected based on these established networks, which laid the foundation for the current railway routes. Geographically, the route through Andhra Pradesh allows the train to serve important destinations and ensure connectivity for passengers traveling between these regions.

Factors Influencing the Route

Historical Route

The train's route may have been established based on historical rail networks that connected key cities and regions. Railways often developed along existing trade routes and population centers, which is why the Falaknuma Express takes a route that includes Andhra Pradesh.

Geographical Considerations

Including stops in Andhra Pradesh reflects the train's ability to connect with major cities and towns in the region. This ensures that the train serves important destinations and accommodates the needs of passengers traveling through this area.

Passenger Demand

The inclusion of various stops in Andhra Pradesh likely reflects passenger demand. By making stops in multiple cities, the train can cater to a larger number of travelers, thereby maximizing the utility of the train for both commuters and tourists.

Logistical Efficiency

The chosen route is the most efficient for maintaining schedules and managing train traffic on the Indian Railways network, which is extensive and complex. This ensures that the train can operate without significant delays or disruptions.

Interstate Connectivity

The train serves as a vital link between southern and eastern India, facilitating travel for both passengers and freight across state boundaries. This interstate connectivity makes the Falaknuma Express an essential part of the railway network in India.

About the Falaknuma Express

The Falaknuma Express is a superfast express train in Indian Railways that connects Kolkata and Hyderabad. It operates as train number 12703 from Howrah Junction to Secunderabad Junction and as train number 12704 in the reverse direction. The train departs from Howrah Junction at 07:25 am daily and arrives at Secunderabad Junction at 09:15 am the next day. The total travel time is 25 hours and 50 minutes. Conversely, the 12704 Falaknuma Express departs from Secunderabad Junction at 03:55 pm daily and arrives at Howrah Junction at 05:55 pm the next day. The total travel time for this train is 26 hours.

The Falaknuma Express covers a distance of 1,544 kilometers between Howrah Junction and Secunderabad Junction. It runs with an ICF rake of 24 coaches, including 3 AC III tier coaches, 1 AC II tier coach, 1 AC II tier cum AC First Class, 1 Pantry Car, 13 sleeper coaches, 3 unreserved coaches, and 2 Seating cum Luggage Rakes. The train shares its rake with Ajanta Express 17063/17064. Typically, the train is hauled by an electric locomotive WAP-4/WAP-7 from SRC/LGD shed. However, due to the unavailability of electric locomotives, it is sometimes hauled by a diesel locomotive WDP-4D from KJM shed.

Stoppages of the Falaknuma Express

The Falaknuma Express makes several stops between Howrah Junction and Secunderabad Junction. These stops include Kharagpur Jn, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jaipur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack Jn, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road Jn, Balugaon, Bramhapur, Ichchapuram, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram Jn, Visakhapatnam Jn, Samalkot Jn, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada Jn, Guntur Jn, Piduguralla, Miryalaguda, Nalgonda, and Ramannapet. The train makes an additional stop at Santragachi Jn for the 12704 Falaknuma Express, resulting in a total of 24 and 25 stoppages for the 12703 and 12704 Falaknuma Expresses, respectively.

Historical Background

The Falaknuma Express derives its name from the Falaknuma Palace, which was opened in Hyderabad in 1893 and is now managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. The name 'Falaknuma' in Urdu means 'a mirror-like reflection' or 'fairy-like reflection.' In 1993, to commemorate the 100 years of the opening of the palace, the train Falaknuma Express was introduced between Secunderabad and Howrah. Before the partition of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the train used to travel all of Andhra Pradesh en route to Howrah. However, after the partition, the train travels in Telangana till Vajirabad and then in Andhra Pradesh till Ichchapuram. This historical context highlights the unique journey of the Falaknuma Express.

Before the partition, the train traveled 916 kilometers in Andhra Pradesh en route to Howrah. After the partition, the train travels 171 kilometers in Telangana and 745 kilometers in Andhra Pradesh en route to Howrah. The journey continues to be an important aspect of the Falaknuma Express, serving as a cultural and geographical link between the two regions of India.