Electrification Triumph in Western Ghats by Indian Railways

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of electrification on the challenging 55-km stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya in Karnataka's Western Ghats. This stretch is not only scenic but also one of the most difficult terrains for railway electrification in India. It features steep gradients, 57 tunnels, and numerous sharp curves, making the engineering work a tough challenge.

The successful trial run of an electric locomotive on December 28 marked the official completion of this project. With this electrification, the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru route is now fully electrified, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency. Achieving over 99% electrification across its broad gauge network, Indian Railways is making remarkable progress in modernizing its services.

According to railway officials, the terrain posed significant challenges as there were no approach roads to the railway tracks. The steep ruling gradient of 1 in 50, combined with the presence of 226 bridges and the risk of landslides during the monsoon season, complicated the project further. Nonetheless, the team managed to build five switching stations and implement complete overhead electrification.

To ensure safety, the distance between traction poles was maintained at a maximum of 67.5 km, and extensive geological studies were conducted in collaboration with institutions like the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University. The project faced delays due to heavy landslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion, which made material supply challenging.

Despite these obstacles, the successful completion of this electrification project is a significant step forward for Indian Railways, particularly in connecting major cities like Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Out of the total 69,000 route km of Indian Railways, nearly 68,700 km is now electrified. Only a few sections in states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and Goa remain to be electrified, with plans to finish these by 2026.

In comparison to global standards, India is progressing well in railway electrification. While Switzerland has achieved 100% electrification, major competitors like China, Japan, and Russia have electrified only 82%, 64%, and 52% of their networks, respectively. This achievement showcases India's commitment to enhancing its railway infrastructure and sustainability efforts.