- By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
- Mon, 29 Dec 2025 07:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major boost to the railway infrastructure, the track electrification process has been completed on the Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road ghat section in the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway. Successful locomotive trials were conducted on December 28.
The 55-km stretch lies on the Hassan-Mangaluru route in the Western Ghats and is one of the most challenging stretches on the Indian Railways network due to its terrain and operating conditions. The route includes a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves, according to a report by the New Indian Express. The stretch is highly susceptible, making the execution of electrification difficult.
Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road Electrification: Project Details
- The electrification of the 55-kilometre stretch was completed on December 28, 2025. Work on the project was started in December 2023.
- The Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road project was completed for Rs 93.55 crore and moves the railways closer to the target of complete electrification.
- The project involved the comprehensive installation of overhead electrification (OHE) across the entire stretch, alongside the commissioning of five new switching stations.
- The newly installed overhead equipment is engineered to support train speeds of up to 120 kmph, enhancing regional transit efficiency.
- To ensure maximum safety, the distance between traction poles has been restricted to only 67.5 metres.
- The entire area was mapped by the Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University to conduct detailed geological surveys of both unlined and lined tunnel portions.
- Both organisations conducted multiple pull-out tests at every point, where at every bracket location, keeping in mind the long-term safety and structural stability of the construction work.
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How Will It Benefit Passengers?
The electrification of the Sakleshpur-Subramanya route will eliminate the need for time-consuming locomotive changes (from electric to diesel) at either end of the Ghat section. It will also enable end-to-end electric traction for trains on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru/Karwar route, potentially reducing overall travel time.
The project also clears the way for premium services like the Vande Bharat Express on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route, which requires a fully electrified track to operate at its full potential. Lastly, electric locomotives mean a cleaner alternative for the environment at a time when decarbonization and the transition to sustainable energy are critical for global climate goals.