A Landmark Trial Run Begins
On August 12, 2026, the South Western Railway's Mysuru Division initiated field trials for a Vande Bharat Express on the critical Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section. A custom-built, 20-coach train, dispatched from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai,
embarked on its journey to prove its mettle on the line connecting Bengaluru to the coastal city of Mangaluru. Personnel from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) are on board, meticulously examining every parameter, from acceleration to stability, in a series of tests scheduled to continue until August 20. This trial is a pivotal moment, as its success is the primary condition for launching a much-anticipated Vande Bharat service on this popular route.
Conquering the Treacherous Ghats
The Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya section is not just any railway line; it is one of the most technically demanding in the country. Spanning 55 kilometres, the track winds its way through the dense Western Ghats, navigating an astonishing 57 tunnels, 226 bridges, and 108 sharp curves. The primary challenge is the steep gradient, which reaches 1 in 50, meaning the track rises or falls one metre for every 50 metres of length. Due to this difficult terrain, the maximum permissible speed for any train here is a cautious 30 kilometres per hour. Conventionally, trains require the help of additional 'banker' locomotives to be attached at either end to provide extra power and braking control, a time-consuming process.
The Technology Being Tested
The key innovation that makes this trial possible is the Vande Bharat rake’s integrated Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. This technology was a mandatory prerequisite for operating on the ghat section and the reason the service launch was previously delayed. The AEB system is designed to automatically apply the brakes if the train exceeds the speed limit, ensuring a safe descent and ascent without the need for external banker engines. The ongoing trials are rigorously evaluating the performance of this system, along with the train's electro-pneumatic braking and overall stability while negotiating the sharp, winding curves of the mountain pass.
A Game-Changer for State Connectivity
For residents and businesses in Karnataka, the successful launch of this service would be a transformative development. The journey between the state capital, Bengaluru, and the vital coastal hub of Mangaluru currently takes a considerable amount of time by rail. A Vande Bharat service promises to slash that travel time significantly, with some estimates suggesting a journey of around seven hours. This faster, more comfortable connection is expected to provide a major boost to tourism, trade, and passenger movement between the coast and the state's interior. Local leaders and commuter associations have strongly advocated for the service, highlighting the potential for economic growth in the Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts.
