The long-awaited Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has edged closer to reality, raising hopes among commuters in Coastal Karnataka, Mangalore Today reported.
The last technical obstacle before the premium service starts is likely to be crossed once trial runs begin on the freshly electrified Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat segment of the Hassan-Mangaluru railway line.
A senior team from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the testing and standards wing of the Railway Ministry, will commence advanced trials on the ghat stretch from June 1. Once the tests are completed and the approval report is handed to the ministry, the Vande Bharat service is expected to roll out.
During his Mangaluru visit on May 23, Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna had said the train would be launched in June. Officials are now waiting for the RDSO findings and the ministry’s clearance.
Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager of the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway, said the RDSO team would start test operations on June 1. Various rakes, including passenger and freight ones under different load conditions, will be run to gauge the performance and safety of the electrified line. The exercise is likely to last about a week, with several rakes already kept ready. A trial recently conducted with an empty passenger rake pulled by an electric locomotive on the stretch was successful.
The 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is regarded as among India’s toughest railway routes, with a steep 1-in-50 gradient, frequent landslides, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges and 108 sharp curves.
The dream of a high-speed Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru is now closer than ever to becoming reality. Indian Railways has begun the final trial runs on the critical Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section, marking a major milestone in the completion of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat project. The development is significant not only for Karnataka but also for the broader modernization efforts underway across India’s railway network.
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru route has long been regarded as one of the most picturesque yet operationally challenging railway corridors in the country. Cutting through the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, the line passes through dense forests, steep gradients, numerous tunnels, and hundreds of bridges. Successfully operating a semi-high-speed train like the Vande Bharat on this route represents a major engineering achievement and highlights the growing capabilities of Indian Railways.
A Crucial Testing Phase
The final trials are being conducted on the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section, a 55-kilometre stretch that forms the most difficult portion of the railway corridor between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Railway officials, engineers, and safety experts are assessing various operational parameters during these trials, including braking performance, traction systems, signalling integration, overhead electrification reliability, and passenger safety mechanisms.
These tests are especially important because the route presents unique challenges that are rarely encountered on conventional railway lines. Unlike relatively flat routes where Vande Bharat trains already operate, the Western Ghats section demands exceptional performance from both rolling stock and infrastructure. The trials are intended to ensure that the train can safely and efficiently negotiate the demanding terrain under different operating conditions.
The evaluation is expected to continue for several days before authorities provide the final clearance required for commercial operations. Successful completion of the trials would pave the way for the launch of regular Vande Bharat services between Karnataka’s capital city and its key coastal hub.
The Engineering Challenge of the Western Ghats
What makes the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route particularly remarkable is the section through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and among India’s most difficult regions for railway construction.
The critical stretch includes an extraordinary network of engineering structures:
- 57 tunnels
- 258 bridges
- 108 sharp curves
- A steep gradient of 1 in 50
- Numerous landslide-prone areas
These figures demonstrate the complexity of operating trains through the region. The tunnels vary in length and pass through mountainous terrain, while the bridges span deep valleys and rivers. The sharp curves require careful speed management, and the steep gradients place additional demands on locomotive traction and braking systems.
Monsoon conditions further increase operational complexity. Heavy rainfall often triggers landslides and rockfalls, making infrastructure maintenance and safety monitoring essential throughout the year. The successful operation of a Vande Bharat train on such a route would represent a significant milestone in Indian railway engineering.
Completion of Electrification
A key factor enabling the introduction of the Vande Bharat service is the recent completion of electrification on the Hassan–Mangaluru railway line. The project required substantial investment and extensive engineering work, particularly on the ghat section.
The electrification project involved the installation of overhead equipment, power supply systems, and associated infrastructure across difficult mountainous terrain. Engineers faced numerous challenges, including tunnel clearances, steep slopes, environmental considerations, and weather-related disruptions.
The total project cost eventually rose to approximately ₹729 crore, reflecting the complexity of the undertaking. A significant portion of the expenditure was dedicated to the ghat section, where the installation of overhead electric infrastructure required innovative solutions and meticulous planning.
The newly installed electrification system has been designed to support train operations at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, providing the foundation necessary for modern semi-high-speed rail services.
Benefits for Karnataka
The introduction of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is expected to generate substantial benefits for passengers, businesses, and the regional economy.
At present, rail travel between Bengaluru and Mangaluru can be time-consuming due to terrain constraints and operational limitations. The Vande Bharat service is expected to reduce travel times significantly while providing enhanced comfort, reliability, and convenience.
For business travellers, faster connectivity between the state’s economic and commercial centres could improve productivity and encourage greater economic interaction. Bengaluru serves as India’s technology hub, while Mangaluru is an important port city and educational centre. Improved transportation links between these cities could strengthen trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.
Students, professionals, tourists, and families are also expected to benefit from the modern amenities offered by the Vande Bharat train. Features such as comfortable seating, onboard information systems, improved safety technologies, and faster acceleration make the train an attractive alternative to road travel.
Tourism Potential
The route itself is expected to become a major attraction. The railway journey through the Western Ghats is already considered one of India’s most scenic train experiences. Passengers travel through lush forests, mountain passes, tunnels, waterfalls, and dramatic valleys that showcase the natural beauty of Karnataka.
A Vande Bharat service could further boost tourism by making access to coastal Karnataka easier and more comfortable. Destinations such as Mangaluru, Udupi, Kukke Subrahmanya, and various beach locations along the Arabian Sea coast could witness increased visitor numbers.
The train could also encourage weekend tourism from Bengaluru, allowing travellers to reach coastal destinations more quickly and comfortably than before.
A Symbol of Railway Modernization
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat project reflects the broader transformation taking place within Indian Railways. Over the past decade, significant investments have been made in track upgrades, electrification, station modernization, safety systems, and indigenous train manufacturing.
The Vande Bharat platform itself represents a major success story for Indian engineering. Designed and manufactured domestically, the train has become a symbol of the country’s growing technological capabilities in the transportation sector. Its deployment on challenging routes demonstrates confidence in both the train’s design and the supporting railway infrastructure.
Introducing Vande Bharat services on difficult mountain corridors also expands the network’s reach beyond traditional high-density urban routes, bringing the benefits of modern rail travel to a wider range of regions.
Expected Launch in June
According to indications from railway authorities and government officials, the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat service is expected to be launched in June 2026, subject to the successful completion of all trial runs and regulatory approvals.
The final decision will depend on the results of ongoing safety assessments and operational evaluations. If all parameters meet the required standards, passengers could soon experience one of India’s most anticipated Vande Bharat routes.
Conclusion
The commencement of final trials on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat corridor marks the culmination of years of planning, engineering, and infrastructure development. Traversing 57 tunnels and 258 bridges through the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats, the route stands as a testament to India’s railway engineering capabilities.
With electrification complete and testing underway, the project is now entering its final phase. Once operational, the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is expected to transform connectivity between Karnataka’s capital and its coastal region, reduce travel times, boost tourism and economic activity, and offer passengers a world-class travel experience. More importantly, it will demonstrate how modern railway technology can successfully operate on some of the most demanding routes in the country, setting a benchmark for future rail modernization projects across India.
