The much-anticipated electrification of the Bengaluru-Hubballi railway line continues to face delays, with major hurdles stemming from land acquisition and state policy lapses. Despite efforts by South Western Railway (SWR) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), the route remains dependent on diesel, costing ₹4.36 crore monthly.
Originally scheduled for completion by June 2023, the project was expected to transition all trains on the route from diesel to electric. However, out of 25 planned power substations, only 12 have been built so far. The remaining 13 are pending due to land acquisition delays and compensation issues with farmers.
Power transmission work near Honnavalli station, and substations at Tolahunase, Ramagiri, and Doddabele have stalled. The 5-km transmission line passing through Tiptur and Arsikere taluks remains incomplete. The 110 kV Belagumba Grid connection, critical for electric traction, is also pending.
Although surveys for horticulture, agricultural, and forest lands have been completed, delays in identifying landowners and disbursing compensation—particularly in Tiptur taluk—have halted progress. SWR officials note that electrification work can resume immediately if the district administration expedites landowner verification and payment processes.
Karnataka has achieved 85% electrification under its Green Railway initiative. Yet, the delay on this key line hampers progress. Railway officials have urged the state government to take swift action to resolve these administrative bottlenecks. Until then, diesel locomotives will continue to operate on one of Karnataka’s busiest rail corridors, undermining both cost-efficiency and environmental goals.
