Mangaluru: South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru division, successfully achieved complete electrification of the Ghat section with the completion of the electric locomotive trial on Sunday. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening rail infrastructure in the region.The ghat section comprises a 55km stretch between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road, one of the most technically challenging sections of Indian Railways. The route features a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, and 108 sharp curves. It is highly prone to landslides, making the execution of electrification works exceptionally complex.The electrification work commenced on Dec 1, 2023, and was completed at a cost of Rs 93.5 crore. The project involved the construction of five switching stations along the route and the overhead electrification of the entire section. The overhead equipment was designed for a maximum speed of 120kmph, with the maximum span between two traction poles limited to 67.5m, ensuring safety and operational reliability.In the 57 tunnels along the section, 419 main brackets and 419 spare brackets were provided for overhead equipment installation. Detailed geological surveys for both lined and unlined portions of tunnels were conducted by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University. To ensure long-term safety and stability, pull-out tests were conducted at every bracket location to verify proper grouting and anchoring of bolts.Given the steep gradients and inclines extending up to 830m, specialised equipment and robust engineering designs were deployed to maintain proper tension and stability of the overhead system. The project faced severe challenges due to heavy monsoon conditions, frequent landslides, soil erosion, and rockfalls, which disrupted execution and necessitated the transport of materials by rail to remote and inaccessible locations.Further adding to the complexity, due to the steep gradients and limited availability of space for safety features, the commissioner of railway safety (CRS) imposed stringent operational restrictions during the execution of the work. Compliance with these safety restrictions significantly increased the difficulty of carrying out electrification activities while ensuring uninterrupted and safe rail operations.With the completion of electrification and the electric locomotive trial, the entire Ghat section is now ready for electric traction, enabling cleaner, energy-efficient, and cost-effective train operations. This achievement marks an important step towards Indian Railways’ objective of 100% electrification and reinforces its commitment to building sustainable and resilient rail infrastructure in challenging terrains, stated a release.
