Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has moved a significant step closer to becoming a reality, with advanced trial runs scheduled to begin on the newly electrified Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section from June 1. The successful completion of these tests is expected to pave the way for the launch of the premium train service connecting Coastal Karnataka with the state capital.

Railway officials are optimistic that the final technical clearance required for the service will be secured after the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) completes its evaluation of the electrified section and submits its report to the Ministry of Railways.

RDSO team to conduct advanced trials

A high-level team from the RDSO, the quality and standards wing of the Ministry of Railways, will undertake a series of advanced tests on the ghat section beginning June 1. The trials are aimed at assessing the safety, performance and reliability of the recently electrified route before commercial operations commence.

According to Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager of the Mysuru Division under South Western Railway, multiple train formations will be operated during the testing phase. These will include passenger and freight rakes with varying load conditions to evaluate the efficiency of the electrification infrastructure under different operational scenarios.

Railway authorities expect the testing process to continue for about a week. Several train rakes have already been positioned and prepared for the trials.

A preliminary trial involving an empty passenger rake hauled by an electric locomotive was conducted successfully on the electrified section, providing confidence ahead of the comprehensive evaluation by the RDSO team.

Vande Bharat launch likely in June

The proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has generated considerable excitement among passengers, business travellers and tourists who frequently travel between the two cities.

During his visit to the coastal city on May 23, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna had announced that the Vande Bharat service would be introduced in June. Railway officials are now awaiting the completion of the technical assessment and final approval from the Railway Ministry.

Once launched, the train is expected to offer faster travel, enhanced passenger comfort and improved connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, strengthening transportation links between the coast and the interior regions of Karnataka.

One of India’s most challenging railway sections

The 55-km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch on the Hassan–Mangaluru railway line is regarded as one of the most technically demanding railway corridors in the country.

The route traverses the Western Ghats and features a steep gradient of 1 in 50, meaning the track rises one metre for every 50 metres travelled. Such gradients pose significant operational challenges for both train movement and railway infrastructure development.

In addition to the steep terrain, the section is highly vulnerable to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. The route includes 57 tunnels, 258 bridges and 108 sharp curves, making it one of the most complex railway stretches in India.

Given these geographical and engineering challenges, electrification of the section required extensive planning, specialised design and advanced execution techniques.

Major investment in railway electrification

The electrification project forms part of a larger railway modernisation initiative covering nearly 400 km of railway lines in Karnataka. The contract was awarded to RITES in August 2021.

The scope of work included the 300-km Mysuru–Hassan–Mangaluru section, the 47-km Hassan–Arsikere route and the 45-km Kadur–Chikkamagaluru line.

While the project was originally estimated to cost ₹461.23 crore, the Railway Ministry revised the total expenditure to ₹729.28 crore in March 2026. A substantial portion of the investment was directed towards the challenging ghat section.

Of the revised project cost, ₹93.55 crore was spent exclusively on electrifying the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch between December 2023 and December 2025. Railway officials stated that the overhead electrification system has been designed to support train operations at speeds of up to 120 kmph.

Improved connectivity on the horizon

The commencement of RDSO trials marks a crucial milestone in the long-awaited introduction of Vande Bharat services to Coastal Karnataka. The train is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru while enhancing travel efficiency on one of Karnataka’s most important railway corridors.

With the electrification work now complete and final safety evaluations underway, passengers may soon witness the arrival of the Vande Bharat Express on the scenic Western Ghats route, ushering in a new era of faster and more sustainable rail travel in the region.