A successful trial run of the electric locomotive was also completed on December 28, marking the culmination of a complex engineering effort in the landslide-prone Western Ghat region.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In a major boost to rail infrastructure, the Mysuru Division of the South Western Railway completed the track electrification of the Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road Ghat Section, reckoned to be one of the most difficult terrain on the Indian Railway network.
A successful trial run of the electric locomotive was also completed on December 28, marking the culmination of a complex engineering effort in the landslide-prone Western Ghat region.
The railway authorities described the completion of the project as a major milestone that will give rail infrastructure a fillip.
The Ghat Section comprises a 55 km-stretch between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road, which is also one of the most technically challenging sections of Indian Railways and is on the Hassan-Mangaluru route, said the authorities.
The route includes a steep 1-in-50 gradient, which means the track rises by one metre for every 50 metres of distance covered. It also includes 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves, and is highly prone to landslides, making execution of electrification works exceptionally complex.
Girish Dharmaraj Kalagonda, divisional commercial manager, Mysuru, said the electrification work commenced on December 1, 2023 and the project was completed at a cost of ₹93.55 crore.
Explaining the challenges involved in the execution of the task, Mr. Girish said that given the steep gradients and inclines in the terrain, specialised equipment and robust engineering designs were deployed to maintain proper tension and stability of the overhead system.
Heavy monsoon, frequent landslides, soil erosion, and rockfalls, were other issues faced by the workers during transportation of materials by rail to remote and inaccessible locations, he added.
“The project involved the construction of five switching stations along the route and overhead electrification of the entire section. The overhead equipment has been designed for a maximum speed of 120 kmph, with the maximum span between two traction poles limited to 67.5 metres, ensuring safety and operational reliability,” said Mr. Girish.
Detailed geological surveys for both lined and unlined portions of tunnels were conducted by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University. To ensure long-term safety and stability, various tests were conducted to verify proper grouting and anchoring of bolts, according to the authorities.
Given the steep gradients and limited availability of space for safety features, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) imposed stringent operational restrictions during the execution of the work which added to the complexity of the task, they added.
With the successful completion of electrification and electric locomotive trial, the entire Ghat Section is now ready for electric traction, enabling cleaner, energy-efficient, and cost-effective train operations. The authorities said this achievement marks an important step towards Indian Railways’ objective of 100% electrification and reinforces its commitment to building sustainable and resilient rail infrastructure in challenging terrains.
Published – December 28, 2025 08:17 pm IST
