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The much-awaited Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has moved a step closer to its launch for commercial operations, with South Western Railway planning trial runs on the challenging Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section from August 18 to August 22.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Trial Runs on the Ghat Section
The trial runs will be conducted by a team from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the technical and safety wing of Indian Railways. During the tests, railway officials will assess the train's braking system, speed control, stability and overall performance on the steep ghat section. The train will have to pass these safety checks before it receives approval to carry passengers.
Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Stretch
The 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road stretch is one of the most difficult railway sections in India, as it passes through the Western Ghats and has a 1-in-50 gradient, meaning the track rises or falls by one metre for every 50 metres. The route also includes 57 tunnels, 258 bridges and 108 sharp curves, making it a technically demanding stretch for train operations.
Normally, trains on this route require banker locomotives with preset speed limits to cross the steep section safely. Attaching these engines to a Vande Bharat train would require removing its aerodynamic nose, increasing travel time and reducing the benefits of the semi-high-speed service. The built-in AEB system allows the train to automatically control its speed on the ghat section, eliminating the need for this extra process.
Commercial Operations to Begin Soon After Successful Trial Runs
If the trial runs are successful and the RDSO grants clearance, Indian Railways is expected to approve the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat for commercial service. The new train is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka while offering passengers a faster, safer and more comfortable travel experience.