The challenging ghats section between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road has finally been electrified, marking a pivotal moment for rail connectivity between Bengaluru and the port city of Mangaluru. This significant infrastructure upgrade has officially put the route on the map for a potential Vande Bharat Express service, a move that has generated considerable excitement among commuters and rail enthusiasts alike.
A Route Declared Vande Bharat-Ready
South Western Railway (SWR) officials have confirmed that the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express on this picturesque stretch is under serious consideration. This follows a crucial clarification from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who addressed initial compatibility concerns by stating that the route is now fully prepared for these modern trains. The public demand for this service has been substantial, with frequent travellers and politicians from various parties championing the cause since electrification works began in 2023.
Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer for SWR, indicated that talks are ongoing. "Since there is huge public demand, the railway board might consider it," he said. He also highlighted the financial benefit for the railway zone, as electrification eliminates the need for separate locomotive attachments for this section. However, he noted a key limitation: traffic on the route cannot be increased dramatically due to the inherent operational restrictions on the ghats section.
Conquering an Engineering Marvel
The electrification of this 55-kilometer ghats section was far from a simple task. The railways describe the terrain as extremely complex and highly prone to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. Compounding the challenge was the lack of an approach road to the railway track. Engineers had to navigate a staggering 57 tunnels, 226 bridges, and 108 sharp curves to string power lines across the Western Ghats.
This monumental effort took nearly two years to complete, during which several important train services faced disruptions. A notable casualty was the Gomteshwara Express, which features a popular Vistadome coach with panoramic windows for enjoying the stunning scenery. This service was only able to resume its journey in December 2025, following the completion of the electrification project.
Enthusiasts Dream of a Scenic Journey
The prospect of a Vande Bharat train gliding through this landscape has captured the imagination of the rail community. Rail enthusiast Ansuman Sathapathy shared his perspective, having travelled the route multiple times. "In the past, there was only one coach available to enjoy the scenic panoramic views," he said. "With the introduction of Vande Bharat, more people can travel along this route, making it a dream journey for any rail enthusiast."
The electrification of the Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road section is more than just a technical upgrade; it represents a leap towards faster, more efficient, and modern rail travel between two major Karnataka cities. While the ghats will continue to impose natural limits on capacity, the arrival of a Vande Bharat Express promises to transform this already spectacular journey into a premier travel experience, combining speed with unparalleled views of the lush Western Ghats.
