A significant landslide at Edakumeri on Friday evening is expected to delay Bengaluru-Mangaluru train services by up to 15 days. The landslide has severely disrupted railway tracks between Edakumeri and Kadagaralli along the Shiradi Ghat, forcing several trains to take alternative routes and resulting in some cancellations.
Repair and restoration efforts are underway, but officials estimate it will take around 15 days to fully restore the tracks. Additionally, the landslide has obstructed road access to the affected area, necessitating the transport of equipment and materials by train wagons. Two engines are being utilized to pull these wagons, carrying rocks and other necessary materials. Due to the challenging logistics, over 750 workers are involved in manually transporting the equipment to the damaged tracks.
The disruption has caused a surge in flight and bus ticket prices, as travelers seek alternative transportation. To assist passengers, the Southern Railway is introducing special trains: one departing from Madgaon to Bengaluru via Mangaluru Junction on July 30, and another running from Karwar to Yeshwantpur on July 31. The special trains are designed to help alleviate the strain on travel options and maintain connectivity during this period.