Heavy rain triggered landslides on the track between Yedakumari and Shirvagilu, causing major delays and cancellations across the South Western Railway network. A relief material train arrived to aid restoration, and catering arrangements were set up for stranded passengers.

Key Takeaways

  • Heavy rain caused landslips on the Yedakumari‑Shirvagilu stretch
  • Multiple express trains delayed or cancelled
  • Relief material train dispatched, catering provided for passengers

Shivamogga, August 2, 2026 – The South Western Railway’s Mysore division began clearing debris from the track on Sunday after a landslip occurred late Saturday night around 8:45 pm. The slide was triggered by intense monsoon rainfall between Yedakumari and Shirvagilu stations in Sakleshpur taluk.

Immediately after the incident, a relief material train was sent to the affected spot to support restoration work. In parallel, the railways arranged catering services at Hassan, Subrahmanya Road, Shirvagilu and Bantwal stations to aid stranded passengers.

Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Western Railway, explained that the restoration is taking longer than anticipated because of repeated landslips along the stretch. “Safety remains our top priority, and we are proceeding with utmost caution,” he said.

Several premium services were impacted: the Mangaluru Central–Vijayapura Express (17378) halted at Shirvagilu at 7:58 pm; the Murdeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express (16586) stopped at Subrahmanya Road at 8:50 pm; and the Kozhikode–KSR Bengaluru Express (16512) was halted at Neralakatte at 9:56 pm. Additionally, the Karwar–KSR Bengaluru Express (16596) was diverted via a longer route, while the KSR Bengaluru–Karwar Express (16595) was stopped at Hassan.

On Sunday, the railway cancelled the Mangaluru Junction–Yesvantpur Express (16540) and the Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Junction Express (16575) due to ongoing landslips.

Historical Background

Sakleshpur, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, has a history of monsoon‑induced landslides that regularly threaten railway infrastructure. Past incidents have prompted periodic upgrades to track stability and drainage systems.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such landslides not only disrupt passenger schedules but also create ripple effects across freight logistics and regional economies. Prompt deployment of relief material and passenger support services mitigates broader economic fallout.

"Continuous monitoring and rapid response are essential to prevent larger catastrophes in landslip‑prone corridors," says railway safety expert Dr. Ravi Narayan.
Did You Know?: Karnataka’s railway network spans over 4,000 km, making it one of the longest state‑wide rail systems in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is there a risk of another landslip on the same stretch?
Answer: Meteorological agencies have issued alerts, and the railway is maintaining heightened surveillance and additional safety measures.

Question 2: How can passengers reach their destinations after the cancellations?
Answer: Alternative bus services and rerouted trains have been arranged, with details displayed on station notice boards and the official railway app.