The South Western Railway (SWR) is set to introduce electric locomotive services on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, replacing the diesel-powered trains currently operating on the section. Bengaluru-Mangaluru Electric Train Service Soon: These Trains Cancelled Till November 4.
Nearly a year after the electrification of the 55-km ghat section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road, SWR has initiated steps to begin electric train operations in this challenging terrain. The ghat section has several steep gradients, tunnels, and bridges, making train operations technically demanding.
SWR has already started preparations to replace diesel locomotives with electric engines for the seven trains operating on this route. Among these trains, including the SMVT Bengaluru–Murudeshwar Express, Yesvantpur–Karwar Express.
Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Junction Weekly Express, Gomateshwara Express, Vijayapura–Mangaluru Central Express, and KSR Bengaluru–Karwar Panchaganga Express, four trains are currently operated using diesel locomotives. The remaining services use electric locomotives or a combination of electric and diesel traction. Going forward, all trains on this route will operate entirely with electric power.
Traction Substation Work Underway at Sakleshpur:
The SMVT Bengaluru–Murudeshwar Express and the Vijayapura–Mangaluru Central Express currently rely on diesel locomotives only while crossing the ghat section.
“Traction substation work is currently underway at Sakleshpur. Once the work is completed, electrical trials are expected to be conducted on this section. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) trials for Vande Bharat trains have already been completed,” an SWR Mysuru Division official said.
The 55-km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway route has long been considered one of the most challenging sections due to its steep gradients and difficult geographical conditions.
With infrastructure upgrades and successful completion of electric trials, the route is expected to become fully diesel-free. This move will improve railway operational efficiency while also reducing environmental pollution.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru and Karwar Trains Cancelled:
Meanwhile, South Western Railway has announced the cancellation of several important trains due to track maintenance and engineering works being carried out between Siribagilu and Yedakumari railway stations in the Western Ghats section under the Mysuru Division.
The train services on this route will remain cancelled from October 4 to November 4 due to the ongoing maintenance activities. Passengers travelling on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru and Karwar routes have been advised to check train schedules before planning their journeys.
