Multiple express trains between Mangaluru and Bengaluru were canceled, stranded, or diverted on August 2, 2026, after a landslide blocked the railway line through Karnataka’s Western Ghats. Soil and boulders from steep slopes fell onto the tracks between Yedakumari and Shrivagilu stations in Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district, overnight on August 1, forcing suspension of train movement through this critical ghat section.
At least seven named train services were impacted. The Mangaluru Junction–Yesvantpur Express and the Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Junction Express were fully canceled for the day. The Mangaluru Central–Vijayapura Express was halted at Shrivagilu station, and the Murudeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express stopped at
Subrahmanya Road. The Kozhikode–KSR Bengaluru Express was held at Neralakatte station. The Karwar–KSR Bengaluru Express was diverted via an alternate route, while the KSR Bengaluru–Karwar Express stopped at Hassan.
Geological and Meteorological Causes of the Disruption
The affected railway corridor lies within the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its steep slopes and heavy monsoon rainfall. The Yedakumari–Shrivagilu section is prone to chronic landslides during the monsoon season due to unstable soil saturated by intense rainfalls, which have been recorded at nearly 316 mm in a single day in past seasons. The rapid accumulation of water triggers recurrent landslips, complicating clearance efforts.
Restoration Efforts and Official Updates
South Western Railway (SWR) confirmed restoration work began immediately with earthmovers and relief material trains deployed to the site. However, ongoing heavy rainfall caused repeated fresh landslides, delaying track clearance. As of August 2, no timeline for full restoration was announced. Manjunath Kanamadi, SWR’s Chief Public Relations Officer in Hubballi, stated that while work is ongoing, the persistent rains and unstable terrain prolong efforts to reopen the line safely.
Train services resumed on August 4, 2026, after two days of suspension, but delays continue due to track conditions and safety restrictions.
Passenger Impact, Refunds, and Alternative Transport
Passengers traveling on canceled trains such as the Mangaluru
Junction–Yesvantpur Express are eligible for full refunds, including non-refundable Tatkal tickets, without needing to file Ticket Deposit Receipts (TDRs) when cancellations originate from Indian Railways. Refund credit to the original payment method takes three to five working days for IRCTC e-tickets. Counter ticket holders must surrender their tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters for refunds. Passengers on trains halted before their destinations need to file TDRs for the incomplete journey segment.
Passengers stranded at affected stations received water, food, and tea while waiting. Indian Railways advises checking live train status via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) portal, the
“Where is My Train” app, or by calling helpline 139.
Road transport alternatives include Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses operating approximately 550 schedules daily from the Mangaluru division, with options ranging from Volvo multi-axle to AC sleeper coaches. Private operators such as Durgamba Motors and VRL Travels offer overnight sleeper buses bookable on platforms like redBus. However, routes via Shiradi Ghat on National Highway 75, which parallels the rail route, also face monsoon-related disruptions. The Mysuru–Bengaluru highway remains unaffected by this disruption. Air travel between Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is available but
serves a limited passenger group and is costlier.
Historical Context of Recurring Ghat Section Disruptions
The Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section, including the Yedakumari–Shrivagilu stretch, has a documented history of monsoon disruptions spanning over a decade. Previous closures in this corridor have lasted up to 13 days during July and August monsoon seasons, including a recent closure from July 26 to August 8, 2024, following similar heavy rainfall and landslide conditions. Sections of the line have reopened at restricted speeds of 15 kilometers per hour following restoration. The terrain’s steep geology and high rainfall levels create persistent slope stability challenges, hindering permanent fixes without extensive tunneling or realignment.
Official Sources and Passenger Advisories
South Western Railway’s official communications, confirmed by Manjunath Kanamadi, report ongoing restoration complicated by frequent rains. Passengers are encouraged to monitor real-time train movement on the NTES website and mobile applications. SWR provides updates and assistance on social media platforms such as @RailwaySeva on X (formerly Twitter). The Indian Railways helpline number 139 remains operational for traveler inquiries.
Given the region’s seasonal vulnerability, travelers planning to use the Mangaluru–Bengaluru rail corridor in the coming days should prepare for potential ongoing delays and disruptions.
