The railway seeks to achieve 100% electrification in the southwestern railway zone, which is part of the Viksit Bharat vision. | Photo Credit: File Photos
By delaying the completion of critical transmission lines, the electrification drive of Indian railways on the vital route of the Bengaluru-Massur-Mandaluru and raises concerns about the full use of newly built railway assets.
Although in November 2023 they successfully completed the railways, which successfully completed their subordinate station TRACTION (TSS), along with three other subordinate stations in Aaluru, SexaBelagole and Sakleshpur, it is not under tension yet. According to sources, connections from the transmission network of the State Electrical Council remain incomplete, while upgrading capacity in Tolahunse, Ramagiri and Dodbel sub -station also awaits the attention of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (Kptcl)
Officials said that a key part of this puzzle is the waiting 110 kv, 5 km of transmission connections from the KptCl Belagumba Grid sub-stanica through Tiptur and Arsikere Taluks. Of the 25 foundations of the tower needed for this section, only 12, more than a year after KPTCL awarded work in January 2023.
Officials say that serious obstacles in law (series) and continuing disputes with local farmers who require higher compensation have stopped progress.
The SWR official explained the situation and said, “We are fully prepared with our traction station in Honnavalli, but we cannot continue energy until KptCl complements its section. The delay is usually due to problems with the series and land that requires urgent intervention.”
The railway seeks to achieve 100% electrification under the Southwest Railway (SWR) zone, which is part of the Viksit Bharat vision.
“Without introduced transmission links to the last mile, the electrification of the Bengaluru-Hubball section cannot bring its expected environmental and operating benefits,” the official added.
According to officials, SWR could save up to 4.36 crore every month by switching eight pairs of trains on this diesel section to electric traction.
The clerk said: “These trains currently consume approximately 7.64 lakh liters of diesel per month. Electrification will remove this use and significantly reduce fuel costs.”
Hind reached KptCl, but there was no answer.
Published – June 22, 2025 20:56
