The Mysuru Division of South Western Railway is set to commence trial runs of the Vande Bharat Express on the challenging Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section starting August 11. This move paves the way for the high-speed service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

Key Takeaways

  • Trial runs will take place from August 11 to August 22.
  • A specialized 20-car rake with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) has been supplied by ICF, Chennai.
  • The trial is a prerequisite for the commercial launch of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat service.
  • The AEB system is crucial for managing the steep 1 in 50 gradient of the Ghat section.

The stage is set for the long-awaited Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru with coastal Karnataka. The Mysuru Division of South Western Railway has announced that trial runs will begin on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section starting August 11, 2026.

The delay in launching this service was primarily due to the requirement for a specific rake equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. Following the supply of a 20-car rake from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the decks are now cleared. The rake is currently stationed at the Pandavapura Railway Station in Mandya district.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the technical integration of AEB is a game-changer for this specific route. The Ghat section features a steep gradient of 1 in 50, where the track rises or drops by one meter for every 50 meters. Currently, speed is capped at 30 kmph for safety. Traditionally, 'Banker Locos' are used to assist trains, but attaching them to a high-speed Vande Bharat rake would be time-consuming and aesthetically problematic due to the need to remove the nose cone.

The introduction of AEB-fitted rakes eliminates the need for cumbersome banker loco attachments, preserving the high-speed integrity of the Vande Bharat service.

With the Research, Design and Safety Organisation (RDSO) set to oversee the trials, the successful completion of these runs will lead to the formal authorization of commercial operations on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector.

Historical Background

The Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is one of the most scenic yet technically demanding railway stretches in India, traversing the Western Ghats. Due to the extreme gradients and sharp curves, it has long required specialized locomotive assistance to ensure safe descent and ascent.

Did You Know?: The steepness of this section means that for every 50 meters traveled, the elevation changes by a full meter!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the Vande Bharat service officially start?
The official commercial launch will follow the successful completion of the trial runs scheduled between August 11 and August 22.

2. What is the role of AEB in this train?
The Automatic Emergency Braking system ensures the train can safely navigate steep gradients by providing rapid, automated braking response.