Railway Koduru is a town in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located in the Rayalaseema Region. The north-west railway line passing through Kodur was constructed between 1864 and 1866, forming part of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway network.

Etymology

The name "Koduru" is derived from the Telugu words "Kodu" and "Ooru". "Kodu" refers to a water channel, stream, or a small valley near a settlement, while "Ooru" means village or habitation. Thus, the name Koduru broadly refers to a settlement located near a water source or low-lying terrain.

The prefix "Railway" was later added after the introduction of railway connectivity during the British period, to distinguish it from other places with the same name.

History

The region of present-day Railway Koduru forms part of the Rayalaseema area, which has a long tradition of agrarian settlements dating back to ancient South Indian history, including the period of the Satavahana dynasty (c. 3rd century CE). However, there are no specific historical records indicating that Koduru was a major settlement during the pre-colonial period, and it is generally understood to have been a small rural village dependent on agriculture and local resources.

The modern transformation of Koduru began during British rule with the expansion of railway infrastructure. The north-west railway line of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway, passing through the Cuddapah (Kadapa) district, was constructed between 1864 and 1866. Kodur became one of the important railway stations on this route, alongside towns such as Nandalur and Cuddapah.

This railway line connected interior Rayalaseema regions with major trade routes, significantly improving the transport of goods and people. The presence of the railway station contributed to the growth of trade and movement in the area, a gradual increase in population, and the emergence of Koduru as a local transport hub. As a result, the settlement came to be known as “Railway Koduru” to distinguish it from other places with the same name.

Another important development during the colonial period was the construction of a forest track through the Seshachalam Hills. Built around 1870 by the British, this route connected Railway Koduru with Tirumala and extended for approximately 50 km through forest terrain. It was used for administrative access, forest management, and movement across the hill regions. The route remained active until the mid-20th century, after which it fell into disuse, and was later reopened in 2017 for restricted official use.

After independence, Railway Koduru became part of Andhra State in 1953 and subsequently part of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act. Administrative reforms in 1985 introduced the mandal system, under which Railway Koduru was designated as the headquarters of Kodur mandal. These changes strengthened local governance and administrative functions in the area.

In 2022, Railway Koduru was included in the newly formed Annamayya district as part of the reorganisation of districts in Andhra Pradesh. In December 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh approved a further administrative reorganisation, under which Railway Koduru was merged into Tirupati district, with effect from 31 December 2025.[citation needed] The reorganisation followed public representations and administrative considerations, including regional connectivity and local alignment with Tirupati.[citation needed]

Culture

Religious sites and festivals

Railway Koduru has several Hindu temples, including the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple and the Sri Kanyakaparameshwari Devi Temple.

Festivals such as Dasara are observed in local temples with community participation.

The Gangamma Thalli Jathara is an important local festival celebrated annually, typically held between April and May, featuring traditional rituals and folk practices.

Geography

Railway Koduru is located approximately 50 km from Tirupati and about 170 km from Chennai, making it an important regional trade point.

Economy

The region is known for horticulture, particularly mango cultivation, and Railway Koduru serves as a local trading centre for mango produce. The presence of railway connectivity has facilitated the transport and trade of agricultural products.

In addition to mangoes, crops such as banana and papaya are also cultivated in the surrounding areas. The region supports horticultural education and research through institutions such as the College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, located nearby.

Railway Koduru is recognised as a regional centre for horticultural production and contributes to the supply and distribution of fruits to various markets.

Assembly constituency

Railway Koduru is an SC reserved assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh.