Bengaluru: The South Western Railway (SWR) zone achieved 96% electrification of its network by the end of 2025, marking steady progress as Indian Railways moves towards complete nationwide electrification. The zone, which covers most of Karnataka, has also reported savings of at least Rs 1,345 crore over the past three financial years due to the shift from diesel to electric traction.According to SWR data, the savings were recorded between 2022-23 and 2025-26 (up to Feb). During this period, 186 passenger trains were converted from diesel to electric traction, with the highest annual conversion of 56 trains taking place in the current financial year. In fuel terms, the zone saved 1,50,573 kilolitres of high-speed diesel previously used to power diesel locomotives. Of this, 52,940 kilolitres were saved in 2025-26 alone.Data shared in the Lok Sabha by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently showed that Karnataka’s overall rail network has achieved 97% electrification. “Electrification of the railway network on Indian Railways has been taken up in mission mode. So far, about 99.4% of the broad-gauge network has been electrified. Electrification in the remaining network has been taken up,” he said.Karnataka remains among five states and union territories yet to achieve full electrification. Railway electrification is measured in route kilometres, where double or multiple lines are counted as a single route.Within the SWR zone’s total network of 3,721.6 route kilometres (RKM), including new line works, 3,305 RKM had been electrified as of Dec 2025. Among operational routes, electrification stands at 89%. Sections such as Ginigera–Sindhanur (84.6km), Talkal–Linganbandi (45.5km), Bagalkot–Kudachi (30km), and Rayadurga–Doddahalli (81.7km) continue to operate on diesel.One of the latest completed projects was the 55km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section, commissioned in Dec. The ghat stretch, known for its difficult terrain and lack of approach roads, has strengthened the possibility of introducing a Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.Key pending works include the 120RKM Amaravathi–Vyasa Colony stretch, where foundation work is nearing completion, and the Donigal–Shiribagilu (32km) and Caranzol–Sonalium (8.1km) sections.
