First LHB Run of Simhadri Express | 17239 Guntur - Visakhapatnam Full Journey

Welcome to the *First LHB Run Special* of **17239 Guntur – Visakhapatnam Simhadri Express**, one of the most iconic daytime intercity trains of Andhra Pradesh. In this video, we capture the historic transformation of the beloved Simhadri Express as it begins operating with **brand-new LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches**, replacing the legendary ICF rake that served passengers for decades. This upgrade marks a new era for one of the busiest passenger-friendly express trains connecting the cultural capital of *Guntur* with the port city of **Visakhapatnam**, offering enhanced safety, smoother ride quality, modern interiors, and a significantly improved travel experience. --- 🗓️ Inauguration & History 🔹 *The Name:* The train derives its name from **Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (Simhadri Appanna)**, the presiding deity of the famous Simhachalam Temple near Visakhapatnam. 🔹 *Introduction:* Simhadri Express was introduced to provide a fast and affordable daytime connection between Guntur and Visakhapatnam, linking several important commercial, educational, agricultural, and industrial cities of Andhra Pradesh. 🔹 *Legacy:* For many years, the train operated with conventional **ICF coaches**, becoming a lifeline for daily commuters, students, government employees, business travelers, and tourists. 🔹 *Historic Upgrade (2026):* Beginning **23 June 2026**, Indian Railways upgraded the train to **modern LHB coaches**, significantly improving passenger comfort, safety, stability, and ride quality. This marks one of the biggest milestones in the train's history. --- 🚆 Train Information 🔹 *Train No.:* 17239 (Guntur → Visakhapatnam) 🔹 *Return Service:* 17240 (Visakhapatnam → Guntur) 🔹 *Zone:* South Coast Railway (SCoR) 🔹 *Division:* Guntur Division 🔹 *Frequency:* Daily 🔹 *Departure:* Guntur Junction (GNT) – *07:55 AM* 🔹 *Arrival:* Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) – *04:40 PM* 🔹 *Journey Time:* Approximately *8 Hours 45 Minutes* 🔹 *Distance Covered:* Approximately *383 km* --- 🛤️ Route & Major Halts The Simhadri Express travels through the heart of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, connecting major cities along the Howrah–Chennai Main Line. ▪️ Guntur Junction (GNT) ▪️ Vijayawada Junction (BZA) ▪️ Eluru (EE) ▪️ Tadepalligudem (TDD) ▪️ Nidadavolu Junction (NDD) ▪️ Rajahmundry (RJY) ▪️ Samalkot Junction (SLO) ▪️ Annavaram (ANV) ▪️ Tuni (TUNI) ▪️ Anakapalle (AKP) ▪️ Duvvada (DVD) ▪️ Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) --- 🎟️ Travel Classes The newly introduced LHB rake now offers multiple travel options for passengers: 🔹 AC 3 Tier (3A) 🔹 AC Chair Car (CC) 🔹 Second Sitting (2S) 🔹 General Unreserved (GS) --- 🚃 New LHB Coach Composition The upgraded LHB rake consists of: 🔹 AC 3 Tier (3A) – 1 Coach 🔹 AC Chair Car (CC) – 1 Coach 🔹 Second Sitting (2S) – 4 Coaches 🔹 General Second Class (GS) – 12 Coaches 🔹 Second Class Cum Luggage Brake Van – 1 Coach 🔹 End on Generator (EOG) – 1 Coach The introduction of LHB coaches brings: ✅ Better riding stability ✅ Anti-climbing safety design ✅ CBC couplers ✅ Improved suspension ✅ Better ventilation ✅ Modern interiors ✅ Reduced noise and vibration ✅ Higher permissible operating speeds --- ⚙️ Performance & Traction 🔹 *Average Speed:* Around *44 km/h* including halts 🔹 *Maximum Permissible Speed:* Up to *130 km/h* on suitable sections 🔹 *Traction:* Hauled end-to-end by a powerful *WAP-7/ WAP-4/ WAG9-HC electric locomotive**, generally from **Lallaguda (LGD)* shed. 🔹 *Pantry:* No pantry car attached. 🔹 *Food:* IRCTC E-Catering and station vendors are available at major stations including Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Samalkot. --- ⭐ Why Simhadri Express is Special ✅ First major LHB upgrade after decades of ICF operation ✅ One of Andhra Pradesh's most popular daytime intercity trains ✅ Affordable travel for thousands of daily passengers ✅ Excellent connectivity between Coastal Andhra's major cities ✅ Popular among students, office commuters, pilgrims and tourists --- If you enjoyed witnessing this **historic First LHB Run of 17239 Simhadri Express**, don't forget to: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your favourite memory of Simhadri Express 🔔 Subscribe for more Indian Railways journeys, first runs, locomotive action and rail vlogs! 📸 Instagram:   / get_railified   #SimhadriExpress #17239 #FirstLHBRun #LHB #IndianRailways #Guntur #Visakhapatnam #SouthCoastRailway #AndhraPradesh #Railfan #TrainSpotting #RailVlog #WAP7 #IntercityExpress #GetRailified