Classified as one of the A-1 model stations of South Central Railway zone, Vijayawada is the third busiest railway station of India after Howrah Junction and New Delhi Junction. It is situated in the Krishna district of the Andhra Pradesh and serves as the second largest city of the state. Efficient water supply, unparalleled infrastructure, modes of transport and NH connections are some of the key factors which make Vijayawada one of the finest cities to settle down. The infrastructure and it’s built up at the station make it one of the busiest railway stations of India.
180 Express/Superfast trains cross Vijayawada Junction every day: Vijayawada was converted into a major junction until the nationalization of all the railways in India had occurred. Today, 180 express trains cross this junction. Vijayawada station is a junction station for two main lines of Howrah–Chennai and New Delhi–Chennai main lines. This station takes care of the basic amenities of passengers such as good food, drinking water, waiting rooms etc.
Fastest steam-hauled train: The Golkonda express was first introduced between Vijayawada and Secunderabad. It was the first fastest steam- hauled train launched by the Indian Railways with an average speed of 58 km/h.
Route Relay Interlocking System: Large stations use route relay interlocking system to manage the heavy influx of trains. Busy stations like Vijayawada where 180 trains cross a day, has to handle the high volume of train movements which results in punctual arrival and departure of trains.
Five pit lines: The Vijayawada junction has five pit lines used for primary maintenance of trains originating from Vijayawada. Few express trains which are maintained here are Satavahana Express, Ratnachal Express, Pinakini Express, Amaravati Express, Vijayawada - Dharmavaram Express and Sainagar Shirdi - Vijayawada Express.
Seven Satellite Stations: Satellite stations are the stations close to the main junction where trains are put to halt as their destination to remove the extra congestion on the main platform. Vijayawada junction has seven satellite stations. They are: Gannavaram, Gunadala, Krishna Canal Junction, Kondapalli, Madhura Nagar, Nidamanuru, Ramavarappadu and Rayanapadu.
Passengers Population: Being the third busiest station in India, an average of 1.40 lakh passengers per day and 50 million passengers annually visit Vijayawada station. In addition, 250 passenger trains and 150 freight trains utilize this station. Every express train shunt for 15-20 minutes at Vijayawada station.
The above mentioned features of Vijayawada junction facilitate easy operation on the premises of Vijayawada and its connecting lines. On the other end, Vijaywada is also called the commercial headquarters of Andhra Pradesh and has been added to the "Global Cities Registry. So, if you are boarding a train from Vijayawada, do check the train running status and the train schedule for the journey.
Food at Vijayawada Station
Andhra Pradesh is the nerve center of South Indian flavors. Exotic spices and a blend of these create magic in south Indian dishes. At Vijayawada station, you can find many dishes to eat like:
Idli Sambhar: Idli sambhar is the best option for any traveler as it is healthy and light on belly. It’s a breakfast item everyone would love to have in train. It is rich in carbohydrates and proteins with fewer calories.
Biryani: An exotic Awadhi recipe made with chicken and boiled rice. These are combined with a magical mix of spice and marinate and cooked on Dam temperature, which emits such an aroma like your smelling senses wouldn’t have experienced before. They’re available in packets to consume.
Parotha Curry/Gravy: Very similar to the laachha Paratha of Punjab is the Malabar parotha of Vijayawada. This is prepared with all purpose flower, oil and yeast. The cooked parotha is crushed and broken to pieces and served with veg curry/chicken curry or special gravy (sherwa). Enjoy these Parotha.
Lemon Rice (Chittranaa): A rice variant which is prepared with special tadka and lemon juice. The yellow rice is served with coconut chutney or red chilli chutney. Tastes awesome!
Sambhar Rice: Andhra sambhar is famous all around India. Sambhar rice is the staple diet of Vijayawada and other cities of Andhra Pradesh. Curd rice is also a variant made from curd and boiled rice. Fruits like grapes and pomegranate are mixed to it to enhance its taste.
Aaloo Bonda/Samosa: A snack which is famous all over India. Aaloo bonda is prepared with a spicy potato mixture fried with a thick coating of chickpea flour batter. Nothing is tastier than this heavenly snack.
Cashew Packets: Whether it’s an AC or a sleeper class compartment of any train, you will find hawkers selling high quality cashews packets at a reasonable price. Though Kollam is called the “Cashew Capital of India” you can find plain/roasted/salty cashew in train at Vijayawada Junction. So next time when your train halts at Vijayawada junction, do buy a packet of special cashews for your family and taste these varieties of dishes.
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