Overview The Bengaluru-Mangaluru/Karwar railway sector is poised for a significant upgrade with the near completion of Railway Electrification (RE) on the 55 km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section. This development will enable trains, both coaching and freight, to run on electric traction end-to-end, marking a shift from the current reliance on diesel locomotives. Key Developments Electrification Progress Current Status: The 55 km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section is nearing completion. Diesel Traction: Currently, this sector is one of the last in the state where trains operate using diesel locomotives. Electrified Sections: Rail routes between Mangaluru and Subrahmanya Road , and Sakleshpur-Chikkabanawara/Arsikere/Mysuru are already electrified. Train Operations Partially Electrified Trains: Coaching trains like KSR Bengaluru-Kannur-KSR Bengaluru Express (16511/12) and SMVT Bengaluru-Murdeshwar-SMVT Bengaluru Express (16585/586) operate on electric traction between Mangaluru Central and Kannur/Murdeshwar after a loco change at Mangaluru Central . Diesel-Only Trains: KSR Bengaluru-Karwar-KSR Bengaluru Panchaganga Express (16595/596) , which bypasses both Mangaluru Central and Junction , runs entirely on diesel traction due to the absence of loco changing facilities between Mangaluru and Udupi , despite the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. network being fully electrified. Line Block Removal Line Block Period: The South Western Railway (SWR) is set to remove the 198-day line block given from May 31, 2025 , on the SKLR-SBHR Ghat section from December 16, 2025 . Resumption of Services: This will enable the resumption of day train services on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru/Karwar sector. Completion and Inspection Ancillary Works: Some ancillary works are required before trains can run on electric traction. RITES Involvement: Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) , the organization executing the RE, has requested additional time to complete the work but does not require line blocks. Testing and Inspection: After completion, the line will be charged and tested, followed by a statutory inspection by the Commissioner and subsequent authorization for electric traction operations. Expected Completion: The entire process is expected to be completed by January 2026 . Vande Bharat Express Readiness Ministry Directive: The Railway Ministry has directed SWR to upgrade the track between Chikkabanawara and Mangaluru to accommodate Vande Bharat Express trains. Track Upgradation: The zone is working on upgrading the track and systems to handle the semi-high-speed train. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC syllabus under GS3: Infrastructure Development and GS3: Environment . The electrification of railway lines contributes to sustainable transportation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. The introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains highlights advancements in railway technology and infrastructure. Important Facts The Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section is 55 km long. The 198-day line block on the SKLR-SBHR Ghat section is set to be removed from December 16, 2025 . RITES is executing the RE on the Ghat section. The KSR Bengaluru-Karwar-KSR Bengaluru Panchaganga Express (16595/596) currently runs on diesel traction. The Railway Ministry has asked SWR to make the track between Chikkabanawara and Mangaluru fit for Vande Bharat Express trains.