South Western Railway GM P. Ananth inspected the Vande Bharat Express trial run between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road. The inspection focused on infrastructure preparedness and passenger amenities in the challenging Western Ghats section.

  • Successful trial run of Vande Bharat Express conducted on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route.
  • SWR GM P. Ananth inspected the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section.
  • Focus on Amrit Bharat Station Scheme redevelopment works.
  • The 20-coach rake features an advanced Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system.

In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity for the coastal region, P. Ananth, General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR), conducted a high-level inspection of the Vande Bharat Express trial run on August 18, 2026. The inspection took place on the critical stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road stations, a vital link on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route.

The Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section is renowned for its demanding terrain, traversing the Western Ghats. This stretch is characterized by steep gradients, complex tunnels, numerous bridges, and sharp curves. During the trial, a custom-designed 20-car Vande Bharat Express rake, equipped with a cutting-edge Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system, successfully navigated this difficult ghat section, proving its operational readiness.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the introduction of Vande Bharat on this route will drastically reduce travel time between the tech hub of Bengaluru and the coastal hub of Mangaluru. Furthermore, overcoming the technical hurdles of the Western Ghats demonstrates the growing capability of Indian Railways to deploy high-speed assets in ecologically and geographically sensitive zones.

The deployment of AEB technology in ghat sections is a game-changer for passenger safety in high-gradient terrains.

Beyond the train operations, the General Manager also reviewed the progress of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Extensive redevelopment works are currently underway at both Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road stations. These improvements include upgraded platform facilities, enhanced circulating areas, and modernized passenger amenities designed to provide a world-class travel experience.

Historical Background

The railway line through the Western Ghats has long been one of India's most scenic yet operationally challenging routes. For decades, managing heavy traction through these steep climbs required intense precision. The transition from traditional locomotive-hauled trains to semi-high-speed units like the Vande Bharat marks a new era of modernization for the South Western Railway.

Did You Know?: The Western Ghats section is considered one of the most beautiful railway journeys in India due to its lush greenery and misty mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which stations were included in the Vande Bharat trial run?
The trial run was conducted between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road stations.

2. What is the significance of the AEB system mentioned?
The Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system is a safety feature that helps the train stop automatically in emergencies, which is crucial for steep ghat sections.