Vande Bharat completes first trial run on Bengaluru-Mangaluru ghat section
The first trial run of a Vande Bharat Express train equipped with an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system was successfully conducted on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section of the Hassan-Mangaluru line on August 12. This marks a significant step towards introducing the semi-high-speed service on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector, which will connect Karnataka's capital with the coastal region.
The trial was carried out by the Mysuru division of South Western Railway (SWR). According to Mysuru Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal, the train departed from Sakleshpur Railway Station at 6.42 am and arrived at Subrahmanya Road station at 10.55 am. Later in the afternoon, the rake was expected to climb back towards Sakleshpur, with test runs scheduled to continue until August 20.
A team of experts from the Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), under the Railway Ministry, is closely monitoring the trials. They are testing key parameters such as balancing speed, controllability, and emergency braking distance, with special focus on the AEB system. The AEB has been pre-set to 30 kmph and will activate automatically when the train traverses the 55-kilometre ghat stretch, known for its steep gradients.
The speed limit of 30 kmph was mandated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) while granting authorisation for train operations in this section. The track has a steep gradient of 1 in 50, meaning the elevation changes by one metre for every 50 metres of horizontal distance. This makes safety a top priority, especially for passenger trains.
Conventional trains on this route are assisted by banker locomotives, which are attached to the rakes to control speed during ascents and descents. These locos also have a pre-set AEB of 30 kmph. However, banker locos cannot be attached to a Vande Bharat train due to technical and aesthetic reasons. To address this, a custom-built 20-car rake was modified during manufacturing at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
The new rake arrived in Mysuru last week and underwent static trials on August 11 before being moved to Sakleshpur the same night. Field trials are scheduled for August 13 and from August 17 to 19. During this period, day trains between Bengaluru and Mangaluru Junction and Karwar may be regulated by up to 30 minutes to ensure safety.
If the trials are completed successfully, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin services on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector. This will be a major boost for commuters, offering a faster and more comfortable travel option between the state capital and coastal Karnataka. The train is part of India's push to modernise its rail network with indigenous semi-high-speed technology.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a self-propelled train set designed and built in India. It features modern amenities such as automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. The introduction of this service on the challenging ghat section will showcase the train's capability to handle difficult terrains while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Railway officials have expressed confidence that the trials will pave the way for a new chapter in the region's connectivity. Passengers and local communities have welcomed the development, hoping for reduced travel time and improved rail infrastructure. The successful implementation of AEB in the ghat section will also set a precedent for other hilly routes across the country.
