Mangaluru: The railway electrification work on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru route has reached a significant milestone, with the section up to Shiribagilu now fully electrified. Against this backdrop, the first electric passenger train service between Mangaluru Central and Subrahmanya Road commenced operations on Monday, September 15, marking a green transition for the coastal and Malnad region.
First electric run marks end of diesel traction
The newly introduced passenger train between Mangaluru and Subrahmanya Road, which had been operating with a diesel engine until last week, made its final run with diesel traction on Sunday night. On Monday morning, the same train operated for the first time with an electric locomotive, officially ushering in a new era of rail connectivity for the region.
The electrification of the stretch from Mangaluru Central to Subrahmanya Road had already been completed and successfully tested in recent weeks. The inaugural electric passenger train received a warm welcome at Puttur station, with local passengers and railway staff expressing enthusiasm about the transition.
Passenger response and regional demand
The passenger train on this route had been introduced only recently to meet a long-pending demand from the people of Dakshina Kannada and surrounding areas. Since its launch, the train has received an encouraging response from daily commuters, students, and traders who frequently travel between the coastal city of Mangaluru and the foothills of Subrahmanya.
With the shift to electric traction, railway officials expect better efficiency, reduced operational costs, and a cleaner mode of transport. The change is also being viewed as a step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the railway network in the region.
A step towards modernisation
Electrification work on the larger Mangaluru–Bengaluru route is being executed in phases, with the Shiribagilu section now complete. Once the entire stretch is electrified, trains between Mangaluru and Bengaluru are expected to benefit from faster, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable operations.
Currently, the Mangaluru–Subrahmanya Road passenger service operates thrice daily—morning, afternoon, and evening—providing vital connectivity for rural and semi-urban areas along the route. With the electrification in place, railway authorities believe that travel time may gradually reduce, and more services can be planned in future to meet passenger demand.
Political backing and future upgrades
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who has been actively following up with the railway ministry on the electrification project, welcomed the transition. Speaking about the development, he said, “In addition, as per our request to the railway ministry, I am eagerly looking forward to the replacement of the old rake of this train with a MEMU rake soon.”
The proposed introduction of a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rake is expected to further modernise passenger services, providing better comfort, improved speed, and higher carrying capacity. MEMU trains are particularly suitable for regional routes with frequent stops, making them an ideal replacement for conventional passenger rakes.
Towards a greener railway future
The changeover from diesel to electric on the Mangaluru–Subrahmanya Road route is part of the Indian Railways’ larger electrification mission, which aims to achieve 100 per cent electrification of its broad-gauge routes by 2030. The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and moving towards carbon neutrality.
For local passengers, this development brings both symbolic and practical benefits. Symbolically, it represents progress and inclusion of the region in the national railway modernisation drive. Practically, it promises smoother journeys, less noise pollution, and reduced emissions in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Western Ghats.
Conclusion
With the successful launch of the first electric passenger train on the Mangaluru–Subrahmanya Road stretch, the region has taken a decisive step towards modern and sustainable rail travel. As electrification progresses further towards Bengaluru, the benefits are expected to multiply, offering the people of coastal Karnataka and Malnad improved connectivity and a cleaner, more efficient travel experience.