SWR nears full electrification as Bengaluru Division achieves 99% coverage

The Bengaluru Division has achieved more than 99% electrification.

Railway officials said, “The zone is steadily progressing towards achieving 100% electrification in line with the Centre’s Viksit Bharat vision and the goal of becoming a Green Railway by 2030.”

Of the total 3,721.689 route km (RKM) under South Western Railway (SWR), including newly commissioned routes, 3,305 RKM have already been electrified. The officials said electrification works are being fast-tracked across remaining sections to ensure complete coverage at the earliest.

Division-wise progress

The Bengaluru Division (SBC) is almost fully electrified, with 1,144.049 RKM electrified out of a total 1,144.984 RKM. The Mysuru Division has completed electrification of 1,054.7345 RKM against a total network of 1,141.787 RKM, while the Hubballi Division has electrified 1,106.25 RKM of its 1,434.918 RKM network.

The officials said that the transition from diesel to electric traction has delivered multiple benefits. Electrification has significantly reduced diesel consumption, leading to substantial savings in fuel costs and lowering the Railways’ dependence on imported fossil fuels.

It has also contributed to a sharp reduction in carbon emissions, supporting India’s climate commitments and improving air quality along railway corridors, the officials said.

In addition, the electric traction has improved operational efficiency by enabling faster acceleration, higher hauling capacity, and more reliable train operations. “This has helped enhance punctuality of passenger services and increased throughput for freight trains. Lower maintenance requirements for electric locomotives compared to diesel engines have also reduced operational costs over the long term,” the officials added.