Image via The Hindu
Train Services Resume After Overnight Efforts
Sakaleshpur (Karnataka), Aug 17 — The South Western Railway (SWR) on Sunday announced the restoration of train services in the Sakaleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section, which was hit by multiple landslips following torrential rains on Saturday evening (August 16, 2025).
A press release issued by SWR confirmed that tracks have been cleared, examined, and declared fit for operations in record time. The disruptions had caused significant inconvenience to passengers as several trains were diverted on Saturday night for safety reasons.
Timeline of Restoration
According to the official statement:
- Kadagaravalli–Donigal section was declared fit for operations at 5:10 a.m. on Sunday (Aug 17).
- Yedakumari–Kadagaravalli stretch was restored by 6:30 a.m.
- Shiravagilu–Yedakumari section was ready for operations late on Saturday night (Aug 16).
Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of SWR, said:
“The authorities acted promptly to restore normal train services. The tracks have been examined and certified fit for operations. Normal services have resumed.”
How the Disruption Unfolded
Heavy monsoon showers triggered multiple landslips along the ghat section on Saturday evening, leading to soil and debris sliding onto the tracks. Railway officials immediately halted services in the Sakaleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch, a critical link in the Bengaluru–Mangaluru corridor.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy mudslides near Yedakumari, a location prone to monsoon-induced slips. “We could hear the rumble of soil sliding. Thankfully, trains were stopped in time,” said a local resident of Sakaleshpur.
As a precautionary measure, trains were either diverted through alternative routes or rescheduled, affecting thousands of passengers traveling between Karnataka’s coastal belt and the state capital.
Why This Route Matters
The Sakaleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section is part of the strategic Bengaluru–Mangaluru rail line, an arterial route that connects Karnataka’s tech capital with its key port and commercial hub.
- It is crucial for passenger movement, particularly during festival and holiday seasons.
- The line also carries essential freight, including agricultural produce, fertilizers, petroleum products, and container cargo.
Repeated monsoon disruptions have often raised concerns about the safety and stability of the ghat track. Engineers emphasize that while landslips are natural in the region due to its terrain, continuous monitoring and quick restoration are vital to ensure reliability.
Official Response and Safety Measures
Following Saturday’s incident, SWR deployed trackmen, engineers, and earth-moving machinery overnight to clear debris and stabilize slopes. Safety inspections were carried out before reopening the line.
Dr. Kanamadi assured that all safety protocols were followed:
“We will continue close monitoring of the track condition in the coming days as heavy rains are still forecast in the Western Ghats. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”
Railway authorities are also considering long-term measures such as retaining walls, slope reinforcements, and early warning systems to minimize disruptions in future monsoons.
Passenger Impact
On Saturday evening, passengers had to deal with sudden delays. Trains such as the Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Express and Karwar–Bengaluru Express were either diverted or delayed by several hours.
“We were informed at Hassan that the train would take a longer route due to landslips. Though it was inconvenient, we appreciated the safety-first approach,” said Rajesh, a passenger traveling to Mangaluru.
With restoration completed by early Sunday morning, services gradually resumed normal operations, much to the relief of passengers.
Local Concerns
Residents of the Sakaleshpur and Yedakumari belt expressed concern that landslips have become an annual hazard. Farmers reported damage to nearby fields due to water runoff. Environmentalists also pointed to the fragility of the ecosystem in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Every year, landslides disrupt both rail and road traffic here. Authorities must invest in stronger slope protection measures,” said Shankar, an environmental activist from Hassan district.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The swift restoration of the Sakaleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section underlines the efficiency of South Western Railway in managing natural disruptions. However, the incident also highlights the recurring vulnerability of this crucial route during monsoons.
As Karnataka continues to face heavy rains, ensuring the long-term resilience of transport infrastructure in the Western Ghats remains a pressing challenge. The rail link is not just vital for commuters but also for the economic lifeline between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
With services now back on track, attention turns to whether structural reinforcements and climate-adaptive strategies can prevent future disruptions.