Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 14: The long-awaited electrification of the Mangaluru–Subrahmanya Road rail section in Dakshina Kannada is set to revolutionise travel on the coastal railway line from September 15, marking a historic milestone after 46 years.
Currently, passenger trains running between Mangaluru and Subrahmanya Road rely on diesel locomotives during morning, afternoon, and evening services. From Monday onwards, these trains will switch to electric traction, heralding a new chapter in the region’s rail history and paving the way for the prestigious Vande Bharat Express service connecting Mangaluru to Bengaluru.
The electrification work has progressed steadily, with 25% of the stretch between Subrahmanya Road and Sakleshpura already completed. The 14-kilometre Subrahmanya Road to Shiribagilu and 9-kilometre Donigal to Sakleshpura segments were finished in April 2025. The final 32-kilometre stretch between Shiribagilu and Donigal is currently under completion.
Dilip Kumar, deputy director of Railways for the region, said, “The successful completion of electrification trials from Mangaluru Central to Subrahmanya Road signifies a major leap forward. From September 15, three passenger trains will run on electric engines, ensuring cleaner, faster, and more efficient service.”
Overhead electric lines have been installed along the track, with power drawn continuously by the trains as they run, signalling modernisation that will significantly reduce travel time and carbon footprint.
Historically, the metre-gauge service between Mangaluru, Puttur, and Subrahmanya began in 1979. The line was converted to broad gauge in 1995, which led to the suspension of the metre-gauge service. By 2003, the Puttur to Subrahmanya Road section was fully converted, followed by the electrification of the Subrahmanya Road to Sakleshpura ghat section in 2006, allowing freight trains to operate.
Passenger services on the broad-gauge Mangaluru–Bengaluru route commenced in 2007. With the ongoing electrification and completion of the Arebetta Crossing Station, officials expect the Vande Bharat Express to start soon.
The Vande Bharat Express, which began service between Kasargod and Thiruvananthapuram in 2023, was extended to Mangaluru Central in 2024, further boosting connectivity along the Western Coast. The Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru–Goa routes have quickly become crucial arteries in the coastal rail network.
“This electrification will not only enhance passenger comfort and speed but also strengthen our position as a key transit hub on the Konkan Coast,” added Kumar.
The move is widely anticipated to usher in faster, greener, and more frequent rail services for Dakshina Kannada and beyond.