Good news for Vande Bharat Express lovers. In a recent update, Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat has moved a step closer to reality. South Western Railway (SWR) has announced trial runs of a Vande Bharat train on Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section from August 11. The day will mark another major leap towards introducing the semi-high-speed service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route.It is an important trial run because the 55-km stretch through the Western Ghats is among Indian Railways‘ most technically demanding mountain sections. Railway engineers will evaluate whether the modified Vande Bharat train can safely negotiate the steep gradients and tunnels. There are some bridges and sharp curves as well.Let’s find out more about this upcoming Vande Bharat route:Why this trial matters
Western Ghats (Canva)
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat has been under discussion for months now. However, it has been facing major technical hurdles. It is because Vande Bharat is a self-propelled trainset. The train requires additional safety features to operate on steep mountains.For the upcoming trial, SWR will use a specially modified eight-coach Vande Bharat. It is equipped with an Auto Emergency Brake (AEB) system and the technology automatically applies brakes if the train exceeds the permitted speed on downhill stretches. It is a mandatory requirement for operating through the ghat area.During the trail, railway officials will study braking performance. They will also see crew operations, turnaround time and overall train handling. After this, they will submit their reports.One of India’s toughest railway stretches
Vande Bharat in South India (Canva)
The Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section is known for its engineering marvels and natural beauty. The train runs through the lush Western Ghats. The route features:Around 57 tunnelsOver 250 bridges108 sharp curvesA steep 1-in-50 gradientAll these make it among the country’s most demanding railway sections. Along with this, the terrain also suffers from heavy monsoon rains. It is also prone to landslides and rockfalls. Special precaution is needed throughout the year.Electrification paved the wayThe trial also follows the successful electrification of the entire Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section. It took nearly two years to complete the work. The ₹93.5-crore project involved installing overhead electric equipment across difficult mountainous terrain.What’s in for Vande Bharat travellersWhen completed, the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat is expected to become one of India’s most scenic train journeys.It is among those routes that passes through dense forests, waterfalls during the monsoon, mist-covered valleys, deep ravines and numerous tunnels in the Western Ghats. The section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road has long been regarded as one of the most stunning railway journeys in southern India.What’s next
Vande Bharat Express
The August 11 trial will be an important milestone but does not mean commercial operations will begin immediately. Railway officials will analyse data collected during the run, particularly the performance of the Auto Emergency Brake system and train handling on the steep gradients.If the trials are successful and all safety clearances are obtained, the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat could move one step closer to becoming a reality, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable way to travel between Karnataka’s capital and its coastal gateway.
