Puttur/Bengaluru, August 7, 2026: Long-awaited Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has moved a step closer to reality. Southwestern Railway (SWR) will conduct trial runs of the Vande Bharat train on the challenging Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section from August 11, marking a crucial milestone before the service can be introduced.
The trial will assess the train's performance on one of the most demanding railways stretches in the Western Ghats. Railway officials will evaluate braking, traction, operational safety and overall performance before any decision is taken on commercial operations.
GM Reviews Mysuru Division Projects
Ahead of the trial, Southwestern Railway General Manager P. Ananth chaired a review meeting at the Divisional Railway Manager's (DRM) Office in Mysuru to assess the division's overall performance and monitor the progress of key railway projects.
The meeting was attended by DRM Mysuru Mudit Mittal, ADRM Shammas Hameed and senior branch officers. Discussions focused on strengthening railway operations, improving infrastructure and enhancing passenger services across the Mysuru Division.
The review comes at a time when several important railway projects, including the proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat service, are gathering momentum.
Why the Ghat Trial is Important
Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section is regarded as one of India's most challenging railway routes. The electrified Western Ghats stretch features steep gradients, numerous tunnels, bridges and sharp curves, making it a critical test for the Vande Bharat train before regular passenger operations can begin.
Successful trials would be a significant step toward introducing a faster premium rail service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
Benefits for Coastal Karnataka
If approved, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to substantially reduce travel time between Bengaluru and the coastal region while providing passengers with faster, more comfortable and modern rail travel.
The service is also expected to benefit travellers from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Hassan and Bengaluru, improving connectivity for business travellers, students, tourists and pilgrims. Although the trial is an important milestone, commercial operations will begin only after the required safety assessments and regulatory approvals are completed.
Keywords
Bengaluru Mangaluru Vande Bharat, Vande Bharat trial run, Sakleshpur Subrahmanya ghat section, Southwestern Railway, Mysuru Division Railway, Coastal Karnataka railway news, Railways News, Citizen News Puttur