Train operations between Mangaluru and Bengaluru restarted on August 4, 2026, after being halted for two days due to a landslide in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. The landslide occurred overnight on August 1, blocking the railway line between Yedakumari and Shrivagilu stations in Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district.
Specific Train Cancellations, Passenger Impact, and Support Measures
The disruption affected at least seven named trains on August 2. The Mangaluru Junction–Yesvantpur Express and its return service were fully canceled for the day, while the Mangaluru Central–Vijayapura Express was stopped at Shrivagilu station. The Murudeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express was held at Subrahmanya Road, and the Kozhikode–KSR Bengaluru Express was stranded at Neralakatte. The
Karwar–KSR Bengaluru Express was diverted via an alternate route, and the KSR Bengaluru–Karwar Express was stopped at Hassan station. Railway authorities arranged drinking water, food, and tea for passengers stranded at intermediate stations.
Geological Instability and Historical Monsoon Disruptions in the Western Ghats
The rail section between Yedakumari and Shrivagilu passes through one of India’s most geologically unstable corridors. Located in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, this segment features steep slopes combined with some of the highest recorded monsoon rainfall, which has historically caused landslides and extended closures. Yedakumari has logged daily rainfall totals up to 316 mm in past seasons. The corridor’s terrain causes repeated fresh landslips as clearance
work progresses during heavy monsoons. Previous closures of this section during monsoon seasons have lasted up to two weeks, including a 13-day shutdown in 2024.
Restoration Efforts and Current Status
Restoration work began immediately after the landslide, including deployment of relief material trains and earthmoving equipment. South Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Manjunath Kanamadi, confirmed the commencement of clearance but cautioned that persistent heavy rainfall caused repeated fresh landslips, prolonging restoration efforts. While train services resumed on August 4, 2026, delays persisted as clearance and safety checks continued along the difficult terrain.
Traveler Options, Refunds, and Real-Time Information
Passengers facing cancellations on affected trains are eligible for full refunds, including
for Tatkal tickets, with automatic processing for e-ticket holders via IRCTC. Counter ticket holders must surrender tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters to claim refunds. Travelers can check live train status through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) portal, the “Where is My Train” mobile application, Indian Railways helpline (139), or South Western Railway’s social media support channel (@RailwaySeva).
Alternative transport options include Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, operating about 550 daily schedules from the Mangaluru division and serving approximately 120,000 passengers. These buses travel via Puttur, Mysuru, and Hassan and include Volvo multi-axle and AC sleeper
services. Private overnight bus operators such as Durgamba Motors and VRL Travels also serve the route. However, roads via Shiradi Ghat on National Highway 75 can experience monsoon-related disruptions. Air travel between Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) remains an option, though it serves fewer travelers and is generally more expensive than rail.
