Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 6: The proposed Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Mangaluru Central has cleared a crucial trial run, with railway officials putting the train through a full-route test to assess its speed, sectional timings and operational performance, including the challenging ghat stretch.
The trial train rolled out from Yeshwantpur junction in Bengaluru at 6.05 am and travelled via Hassan, Sakleshpura and Subrahmanya Road, reaching Mangaluru Central at 4.30 pm. Only railway officials and technical personnel were on board during the exercise.
According to railway sources, a Mysuru division official of the South Western Railway said the key objective of the trial was to establish the precise time required for the train to cover the entire route, including the ghat section.
Particular focus was placed on the Sakleshpura-Subrahmanya Road ghat section, where sharp curves, gradients and geographical challenges pose operational constraints. Officials are analysing the train’s speed and sectional timings while factoring in the existing speed restrictions along the route.
RDSO technical tests
The latest trial follows a series of technical tests conducted in August under the leadership of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). These included trials of the automatic emergency braking system, full-load operation and the ghat section.
The tests were aimed at assessing the Vande Bharat’s performance and technical response while negotiating the demanding ghat terrain.
Official halts yet to be finalised
The official stopping pattern for the proposed service has not yet been formally finalised. However, stations identified for the trial run are being considered while evaluating travel timings and operational feasibility.
Senior officials from the traction operations, traction distribution, engineering and mechanical departments are overseeing the trial run arrangements.
Officials said a comprehensive report on the trial run will be submitted to higher authorities shortly. The findings will form part of the assessment before further decisions are taken on the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat service.