MYSURU / MANGALURU — Field trials of a specially modified 20-coach Vande Bharat Express rake fitted with an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system commenced on the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section on August 12, the Mysuru division of South Western Railway confirmed.
Trials aimed at clearing route for Vande Bharat on Bengaluru–Mangaluru corridor
The train departed Sakleshpur station at 6:42 AM on August 12 and reached Subrahmanya Road station at 10:55 AM, covering the downhill stretch that connects the ghat to the coastal belt. Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) personnel were on board to examine multiple safety and performance parameters during the run, the Mysuru Division Railway Manager (DRM) Mudit Mitral said.
Testing is scheduled to continue through August 20. The rake was manufactured at Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and arrived in Mysuru the previous week. After undergoing static tests at Mysuru on August 11, the rake was moved to Sakleshpur late that night for the ghat trials.
"Successful trials would pave the way for introducing a Vande Bharat Express train service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route," the Mysuru DRM said.
Why custom modifications were necessary
The ghat section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road involves steep gradients and tight alignments that place additional demands on braking and control systems. Officials said the AEB system is essential for safe operation on this stretch; a conventional Vande Bharat rake without AEB could not be cleared for regular service over the ghat.
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna had earlier announced plans to introduce a Vande Bharat service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru sector by June, but the launch did not materialise due to the absence of a Vande Bharat rake equipped with the required AEB system.
- Train type tested: 20-coach Vande Bharat rake
- Key safety fitment: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Testing agencies involved: South Western Railway (Mysuru division) and RDSO
- Testing window: August 12–20, 2026
Local implications for travel and economy
A successful certification of the AEB-fitted rake would enable introduction of a high-speed intercity service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, shortening journey times and providing a modern travel option for daily commuters, business travellers and tourists heading to the coastal city and neighbouring destinations such as Subrahmanya and Kukke Subrahmanya.
Rail officials said trials will monitor braking performance, adhesion characteristics on gradients, emergency stop distances, traction behaviour and occupant safety systems under ghat operating conditions. RDSO engineers will validate data collected during multiple runs before recommending clearance for regular passenger operation.
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Static trials at Mysuru | 11 August 2026 |
| First field run on Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road | 12 August 2026, departed 6:42 AM; arrived 10:55 AM |
| Field testing window | 12–20 August 2026 |
Local transport planners and business groups in Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts have repeatedly highlighted the need for faster rail connectivity to support tourism, fisheries-related commerce and the IT–services supply chain linking Mangaluru with Bengaluru and other inland hubs. The Vande Bharat service is viewed as a catalyst for reducing travel time and improving frequency on the corridor.
However, rail operations over the ghat section require strict adherence to safety clearances and system certification. Officials noted that the special rake used for these trials is custom-built for the route and that approval will depend on meeting RDSO-prescribed performance thresholds under diverse braking and gradient scenarios.
As trials proceed, passengers in Mangaluru and along the coastal stretch will be watching for formal announcements on train timings, ticketing patterns and the likely date of commercial introduction should the trial programme be successful.
