Overview
- Mysuru Division of South Western Railway completed overhead electrification on the 55 km Hassan–Mangaluru ghat section, with an electric locomotive trial on Dec. 28, 2025 confirming readiness.
- The project began on Dec. 1, 2023 and was executed at a cost of ₹93.55 crore, according to railway officials.
- Overhead equipment is designed for 120 kmph operation with a maximum traction‑pole span of 67.5 metres, and five switching stations were built along the route.
- Engineers contended with a 1‑in‑50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges and 108 sharp curves, as well as heavy monsoon rains, landslides and difficult logistics.
- Geological surveys by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University supported installation of 419 main and 419 spare tunnel brackets, with pull‑out tests and CRS‑mandated restrictions ensuring safety.