Rail services in Mangaluru disrupted after a landslide on the Padil–Jokatte route. Netravati Express cancelled. Authorities working on clearance as rains continue.
Article Body
MANGALURU, JUNE 16, 2025 — Heavy rainfall has once again paralyzed rail connectivity in the coastal city of Mangaluru. A landslide on the Padil–Jokatte railway stretch has forced Indian Railways to cancel and reschedule multiple train services.
According to the official statement released by the Railways, the affected section—located between Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction—is currently under debris and waterlogging due to continuous downpours. Technical teams have been deployed to assess the situation and commence clearance operations.
Breaking News: Train Services Disrupted in Mangaluru Due to Landslide Near Padil–Jokatte Route
What Happened?
Late Sunday night, heavy rains triggered a landslide along the Padil–Jokatte route. Railway patrol staff detected the obstruction and immediately alerted control rooms. Subsequently, all train operations on this stretch were suspended as a precautionary measure.
The Southern Railway has confirmed that several services, particularly those passing through the Mangaluru region, will be either cancelled, partially terminated, or rescheduled. This includes the Netravati Express (16345), which has been completely cancelled for the day.
Passenger Communication Measures
To assist stranded passengers, the Indian Railways has urged travelers to check real-time train status using:
Railway Seva’s official X handle (formerly Twitter): @RailwaySeva
139 Railway Helpline
National Train Enquiry System (NTES)
The authorities have also advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel through affected routes over the next 24–48 hours.
Impact on Local Transit and Economy
With the monsoon in full swing, coastal Karnataka is facing disruptions not just on roads, but also on railways. Daily commuters, traders, and long-distance travelers are among the worst affected.
“It’s a recurring problem. Every year around this time, we’re forced to change travel plans due to flooding or landslides,” says Vasanth Rao, a frequent traveler between Mangaluru and Kozhikode.
Several business logistics depending on the Mangaluru–Mumbai and Mangaluru–Chennai lines are also expected to face delays.
A Recurring Monsoon Challenge
This isn’t the first time Mangaluru’s rail network has suffered due to extreme weather. The Padil–Jokatte stretch has been vulnerable to landslides over the years, especially during June–August. Calls for infrastructure reinforcement and better slope management have gained renewed urgency.
Railway experts suggest installing advanced geo-fencing sensors, trenching, and retaining walls to prevent further incidents. However, implementation is often delayed due to budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles.
What’s Next?
Authorities have assured that work is underway on a war footing. Engineering teams equipped with JCBs and track-monitoring tools are working to clear the debris. However, a full restoration of services is expected to take at least 48–72 hours, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.
For now, passengers are being requested to postpone travel if possible and stay updated through official channels.
