Ghats Gone Electric: SWR’s ₹93.55 Crore Engineering Win

The electrification of the 55 km ghat section between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road—one of the most challenging routes on Indian Railways—has been successfully completed.

On 28 December 2025, South Western Railway (SWR) conducted a successful electric locomotive trial on the section, which is characterised by a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves. The project, launched in December 2023 and completed at a cost of ₹93.55 crore, involved the installation of overhead electrification along the entire route and the construction of five switching stations. The electrification system has been designed for a maximum operational speed of 120 km/h and incorporates advanced safety features to address the demanding terrain.

Execution of the project posed significant challenges due to heavy monsoons, landslides, and frequent rockfalls, necessitating specialised engineering solutions and stringent safety measures. With electrification now in place, the route will support cleaner, more energy-efficient train operations, enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency in the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.