The demand for the Balaji Railway Division gained impetus as Balaji Railway Division Sadhana Samiti convener Kuppala Giridhar Kumar submitted a fresh memorandum to South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur during his visit to the temple city on Saturday.Mr. Giridhar Kumar, in his representation, urged the railway authorities to set up a dedicated railway division in Tirupati, stating that the move would strengthen rail infrastructure in Rayalaseema and create substantial employment opportunities for the local youth.He asserted that Tirupati’s growing stature as a major pilgrimage and commercial centre warranted enhanced railway investment and administrative focus.A delegation led by Mr. Giridhar Kumar also sought the modernisation of Tiruchanur and Chandragiri railway stations with improved passenger amenities in tune of the rising commuter and pilgrim traffic.Among the key proposals was the extension of the Vijayawada–Gudur Intercity Express to Tirupati, a measure expected to enhance regional connectivity. The memorandum further called for the introduction of Vande Bharat services linking Tirupati with Visakhapatnam, Mysuru, Coimbatore and Madurai, besides operating a service on the Vijayawada–Bengaluru corridor via Tirupati.To bolster railway infrastructure in the region, the delegation requested the establishment of an electric locomotive shed, a zonal staff training centre and additional pit lines at Pakala. According to the Samiti, these facilities would not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to the region’s economic growth. Published - June 13, 2026 07:37 pm IST