Vande Bharat Enters Western Ghats Trials for Potential Bengaluru-Mangaluru Rail Service

Written By: Bishal Deb

Bishal Deb

I am pursuing a career in travel journalism with Travel And Tour World, focusing on global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination developments. Passionate about uncovering stories that shape the future of travel, I specialise in researching and reporting on airline expansions, airport growth, tourism trends, and emerging destinations. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, I aim to deliver informative and impactful travel news to global audiences while exploring the evolving dynamics of the worldwide tourism industry.

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August 12, 2026 11:05 PM

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Vande Bharat is now subject to infrastructure trials on the Western Ghats to ascertain if the semi-high speed train is safe to operate the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route. These trials are necessary since the section of the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road has steep gradients, sharp curves, tunnels and bridges, therefore the safety of breaking, stability, and acceleration need to be tested along with the overall operational safety.

The specially built rake, equipped with an automatic emergency braking system, is undergoing field testing across the steep and technically demanding terrain of the Western Ghats. The train was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and brought to Mysuru before being moved to the Ghat section for detailed testing.

Initial static examinations were carried out in Mysuru before the rake was transferred to Sakleshpur. The field programme is now evaluating how the train behaves under real railway conditions, particularly on gradients, curves and other difficult stretches.

Western Ghats Terrain Creates a Tough Test for Vande Bharat

The Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road railway section is regarded as one of the most challenging parts of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru corridor.

Passing through the Western Ghats, the route contains steep slopes, sharp bends, numerous tunnels and bridges. These features demand careful control of train speed and braking, while also placing greater importance on traction and stability.

Such conditions make the section an essential testing ground before any advanced train is considered for regular operation.

Unlike railway corridors running through flatter terrain, trains on this route must continuously adapt to changing gradients and curves. The current trial is therefore expected to provide critical information about the Vande Bharat rake’s ability to perform safely and consistently.

Emergency Braking Becomes a Key Part of Testing

The automatic emergency braking technology fitted to the train is among the major systems being assessed.

Technical teams are studying how effectively the rake can slow down and stop under demanding gradient conditions. Acceleration, stability and general operational performance are also being examined during the exercise.

The evaluation includes technical supervision from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, which is assessing whether the train satisfies the necessary operating standards for the corridor.

Testing is expected to continue across the critical Ghat stretch so that railway authorities can examine performance in different conditions before making any decision on passenger operations.

Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Remains Under Evaluation

The trial has raised the possibility of a future Vande Bharat Express linking Bengaluru and Mangaluru, although no regular service has yet been confirmed.

Railway authorities must first complete all technical assessments and obtain the required safety clearances. Only after the rake demonstrates that it can safely negotiate the difficult Ghat section can further steps towards a regular service be considered.

A successful outcome could strengthen plans for faster and more comfortable rail connectivity between Karnataka’s capital and its major coastal city.

Strategic Rail Corridor Connects Inland and Coastal Karnataka

The Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway route plays an important role in connecting the state’s interior with the coastal region.

The Western Ghats section was originally developed as a metre-gauge railway and was later converted to broad gauge. It currently carries both passenger trains and freight traffic, making it an important transport link for Karnataka.

Bengaluru is a major centre for technology, business and employment, while Mangaluru serves as a significant coastal hub for commerce, education, tourism and transportation.

A modern Vande Bharat service could therefore expand travel choices for commuters, business passengers and tourists moving between the two regions.

Safety Results Will Determine the Future Service

The next stage will depend entirely on the results of the ongoing trials.

Railway teams will study data linked to braking efficiency, acceleration, stability, gradient performance and safe movement around curves before deciding whether the rake is suitable for routine operation.

If the Vande Bharat successfully meets all technical and safety requirements, the trials could clear an important hurdle towards introducing the train on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru corridor.

For now, the exercise remains a feasibility and safety assessment. Its findings will determine whether the Vande Bharat can eventually become a regular feature on one of Karnataka’s most demanding and strategically important railway routes.