The introduction of Vande Bharat Express services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru has moved a step closer, with South Western Railway preparing to conduct trial runs on the route this week, according to a report in The Times of India. The proposed tests are expected to play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of operating the semi-high-speed train on one of Karnataka’s most significant railway corridors, which includes the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats.

Railway officials are expected to carry out the trial between Yeshwantpur and Mangaluru Central stations. Authorities in both the Bengaluru and Mysuru railway divisions have reportedly been informed about the exercise. The route has been selected to evaluate the train’s performance across varying geographical conditions, particularly the demanding ghat section that has long posed operational challenges for rail services.

Specially Equipped Vande Bharat Train To Be Used: An eight-coach Vande Bharat trainset fitted with an Auto Emergency Brake (AEB) system will be deployed for the trial. The addition of the braking mechanism is considered a significant development, as it has been specifically introduced to meet safety requirements for operations through the Western Ghats. Railway officials view the retrofit as a key step towards making Vande Bharat services viable on the route.

A major focus of the trial will be the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section, a 55-km stretch that traverses the rugged Western Ghats. Known for its steep gradients, dense forest cover, sharp curves and limited accessibility, the section is regarded as one of the most challenging railway corridors in southern India. These conditions had previously delayed plans to introduce Vande Bharat services on the route.

Auto Emergency Brake System Key To Safety: Railway safety regulations require trains operating on the ghat section to be equipped with an Auto Emergency Brake system. The technology is designed to automatically apply brakes if a train exceeds the prescribed speed limit, helping maintain control on steep slopes and curved sections of track. Officials believe the feature will significantly enhance operational safety in the sensitive terrain. Under existing safety norms, the AEB system restricts train speed to 30 kmph while traversing the ghat section. Although this reduces running speed through the corridor, railway authorities consider the measure essential for safe and reliable operations.

The one-way trial journey is expected to take around 8.5 hours and will include halts at stations likely to be part of the future service schedule, including Hassan, Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road. The scheduled halts will help railway officials assess operational feasibility, station management needs and timetable planning. However, the trial is not limited to testing speed or technical performance. Authorities will also evaluate several operational aspects, including crew-change procedures, station dwell times, train origination and termination processes, turnaround schedules and overall service efficiency.

Data collected during the trial run will be analysed and incorporated into a detailed assessment report. The findings are expected to help railway authorities determine the operational framework for future Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

If the trials prove successful, the route could become one of the few Vande Bharat corridors in the country to operate through a challenging ghat section, offering passengers faster and more comfortable travel while adhering to stringent safety requirements.