South Western Railway's Mysuru division launched field trials of a Vande Bharat Express rake equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking on the steep Sakleshpur‑Subrahmanya Road ghat. Successful tests could clear the way for a high‑speed service between Bengaluru and Mangalore.

Key Takeaways

  • Vande Bharat rake fitted with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Trials run from Aug 12 to Aug 20
  • Success paves path for Bengaluru‑Mangalore service

The Mysuru division of South Western Railway commenced field trials on August 12 on the Sakleshpur‑Subrahmanya Road ghat section. The 20‑coach rake is equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking system, essential for safe operation on the steep gradient.

Historical Background

Since its debut in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express has been India's flagship high‑speed train. Plans to introduce it on the Bengaluru‑Mangalore corridor have been delayed due to the lack of an AEB‑compatible rake capable of handling the 1 in 50 gradient of the ghat section.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a successful trial could integrate a high‑speed link into India's coastal rail network, potentially cutting travel time by up to 30% and boosting regional connectivity.

"The presence of Automatic Emergency Braking is the key to operating Vande Bharat on this ghat," an industry expert noted.
Did You Know?: The Sakleshpur ghat has a gradient of 1:50, meaning the track rises or falls one metre for every fifty metres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the trials conclude?
A: The trials are scheduled to run until August 20.

Q2: Will the Vande Bharat run regularly on the Bengaluru‑Mangalore route?
A: Regular service is expected if the trials prove successful.