Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide between Yedakumari and Sirivagilu, disrupting railway operations and leading to multiple train cancellations
Heavy monsoon rain triggered a landslide on the railway track in Karnataka's Sakleshpur section, disrupting train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru. South Western Railway has launched restoration work, while several trains have been cancelled or terminated due to the blockage.
Bengaluru: Train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru remain affected after a landslide blocked the railway track between Yedakumari and Sirivagilu in the Sakleshpur section following heavy rainfall.
According to South Western Railway, the landslide occurred at around 8.45 pm on Saturday, depositing mud and debris on the tracks. Railway authorities immediately dispatched a relief train and deployed engineering teams to clear the affected stretch and restore operations.
Heavy rainfall and repeated landslides are slowing restoration work on the Sakleshpur railway section.
Train Services Between Mangaluru and Bengaluru Affected
Railway officials said train movement on the Mangaluru to Bengaluru route has been suspended until the tracks are cleared and declared safe for operations.
Heavy rain in the region has continued to hamper restoration work, with officials monitoring weather conditions while clearing debris from the railway line.
To assist stranded passengers, the Railways has made arrangements at Hassan, Subrahmanya Road, Sirivagilu and Bantwal railway stations.
Several Trains Cancelled or Short-Terminated
Following the disruption, South Western Railway cancelled or short-terminated several train services.
The SMVT Bengaluru–Murudeshwar Express was terminated at Hassan on Saturday night. The KSR Bengaluru - Kozhikode Express and Vijayapura - Mangaluru Central Express were also terminated at Hassan.
The KSR Bengaluru–Karwar Express was terminated at Sakleshpur, while the Murudeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express was terminated at Subrahmanya Road. The Kozhikode–KSR Bengaluru Express was terminated at Kabakaputhur.
In addition, the Mangaluru Junction–Yesvantpur Express (16540) and the Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Junction Express (16575) scheduled for Sunday were cancelled.
Railway authorities said train services will resume only after the affected track is cleared and safety inspections are completed.
Restoration Work Continues
Engineering teams remain at the site to remove debris and inspect the railway infrastructure.
Officials said continuous rainfall and the possibility of further landslides are presenting operational challenges, and restoration work is progressing based on weather conditions and safety requirements.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journey.
Demand Raised for Thiruvananthapuram to Velankanni Train
Separately, there has been a renewed demand for introducing a direct train service between Thiruvananthapuram and Velankanni via Nagercoil.
The demand comes ahead of the annual Velankanni festival, during which devotees from Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu travel to the pilgrimage centre.
Currently, trains connecting Ernakulam and Velankanni operate on selected days through Kottayam, Kollam, Punalur, Shenkottai, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Karaikudi, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam. Passengers have sought the extension of services from Thiruvananthapuram to improve connectivity for devotees travelling from the Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari region.
