South Western Railway (SWR) has announced the suspension of several daytime train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru from June 1 to November 1, 2025, due to ongoing electrification work on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section.
This disruption, lasting approximately 154 days, is part of a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing rail connectivity in the region. The electrification project on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is a critical component of the broader effort to modernize the railway network in the region. According to SWR officials, the work is essential for the introduction of electric locomotives, which will lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly train services. However, the timing of the project has raised concerns among passengers and public interest groups.
The suspension of daytime train services has been met with criticism from various quarters. Travelers, passenger welfare associations, and protest committees have expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting that the suspension was implemented without adequate consultation or provision of alternative arrangements. They argue that daytime trains are a lifeline for residents of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, particularly during the monsoon months when landslides frequently disrupt road travel in the Ghats. Activists from the Dakshina Kannada Railway Users Association have emphasized the need to carry out the electrification work without halting passenger train services. They suggest that partial line blocks or scheduling work during intervals when no trains operate could mitigate the impact on travelers. Furthermore, they have criticized the decision to allow goods trains to run while canceling passenger services, describing it as discriminatory.
The President of the West Coast Railway Passenger Development Committee has also voiced concerns, stating that the cancellation of three major daytime trains for five months will severely affect students, employees, and business travelers. They question why electrification work between Mangaluru and Subrahmanya has not halted train traffic and suggest that similar measures should be adopted on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section. They have called for a review of the decision and proposed operating extra night trains as a temporary relief if cancellation is unavoidable. In defense of the suspension, SWR officials have reiterated that the electrification of the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is a top priority. They argue that the project cannot achieve its objectives unless completed across all sections. While acknowledging the short-term difficulties, they emphasize the long-term benefits, including the introduction of electric locomotives, which will enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
However, local observers have pointed out that monsoon conditions increase the risk of landslides, potentially endangering workers and causing delays in the project. They suggest that the timing of the suspension, coinciding with the monsoon season, may exacerbate the challenges faced by both the railway authorities and the public. The suspension of daytime train services has significant implications for regional connectivity. Currently, the only access to the seven North-East states is through the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck,’ for the rest of India. The introduction of the electrified route is expected to provide an alternative link via sea between the North-East states and Kolkata, thereby reducing dependency on the Siliguri Corridor and Bangladesh. This development aligns with India’s Act East Policy and aims to enhance connectivity in the region.
As of now, the department remains firm on its electrification timeline. However, public pressure may influence revised schedules or the introduction of alternate services, especially night trains, in the coming weeks. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both infrastructure development and the mobility needs of the public. In conclusion, while the electrification of the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is a crucial step towards modernizing the railway network, the suspension of daytime train services has highlighted the challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects without adequately addressing the concerns of affected communities. Moving forward, it will be essential for railway authorities to engage with stakeholders and explore alternative solutions that minimize disruptions and ensure the continued connectivity of the region.
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