Mangaluru: The second full trial run of the 16-coach Vande Bharat Express between Yesvantpur and Mangaluru Junction was completed successfully on Thursday, with the train completing the scheduled run ahead of time.
The trial run is part of the preparations to introduce Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru following the electrification of the challenging ghat section. Railway officials used the second trial to assess running time, operational performance and safety parameters along the route.
Second trial completed ahead of schedule
The Vande Bharat train began its second trial run from Mangaluru Junction on Thursday morning. Officers and staff from several South Western Railway departments travelled onboard to monitor the train’s performance.
Personnel from operations, electrical, including Traction Distribution and Traction Rolling Operations, mechanical and engineering departments were involved in the exercise. The teams assessed various operational and safety aspects while monitoring the train during its journey.
According to a South Western Railway official quoted by The Times of India, the second run-time trial was completed ahead of schedule. The development is significant as railway authorities are evaluating the feasibility of running the high-speed train efficiently on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route.
First trial faced technical challenges
The latest successful trial follows an earlier run that faced difficulties in the ghat section.
The first trial was affected by strong winds, along with an issue involving the alignment between the overhead equipment and the train’s pantograph. These factors delayed the earlier trial and highlighted the technical challenges involved in operating a high-speed train through the mountainous section.
Railway sources indicated that another trial could be conducted if some of the technical issues are still unresolved. Further testing would allow officials to assess the route under different operating conditions before a commercial service is introduced.
The electrification of the ghat section has been a crucial development for the proposed Vande Bharat service. The section, known for steep gradients and curves, had earlier posed operational challenges for faster electric train services. With electrification completed, Indian Railways has been able to begin testing Vande Bharat operations on the route.
Kabaka Puttur stoppage also under consideration
The trial runs have also renewed discussions about a possible stoppage at Kabaka Puttur.
MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur welcomed the decision to provide a temporary stoppage for the Mangaluru–Bengaluru Vande Bharat during the trial process. The first full trial run on September 5 had skipped Kabaka Puttur.
According to Kishore Kumar Puttur, the temporary stoppage could potentially be made permanent, with the train’s schedule revised accordingly. A permanent halt would improve connectivity for passengers from Puttur and surrounding areas if approved by the railway authorities.
Route expected to improve Bengaluru–coastal connectivity
The proposed Vande Bharat service is expected to provide a faster and more comfortable rail connection between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
The current plan indicates a journey time of around 8 hours and 20 minutes between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. The service would strengthen connectivity between Karnataka’s capital and the coastal region while providing an alternative to road and air travel.
The introduction of the train is particularly significant for passengers travelling between Bengaluru, Mangaluru and other parts of the coastal belt. Faster rail connectivity could benefit business travellers, students, tourists and regular passengers.
However, the trial runs are also intended to establish the practical running time and operating conditions of the service. The final commercial timetable, stoppages and frequency will depend on railway authorities’ assessment and subsequent approvals.
Rail users seek better connectivity
While the Vande Bharat trials have generated interest among passengers, railway users in Dakshina Kannada have also raised concerns over the allocation of special trains.
The Dakshina Kannada District Railway Users’ Association recently criticised the decision to introduce a Yesvantpur–Madgaon special train that bypasses Mangaluru Junction and Mangaluru Central.
The association argued that Mangaluru is a major railway hub in coastal Karnataka and pointed to the region’s contribution of more than ₹600 crore in railway revenue. It said important railway stations in Mangaluru should not be bypassed when special trains are introduced to handle festival-season demand.
Final approval awaited before commercial service
The successful second trial marks another step towards the proposed Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. However, the trial does not by itself mean that commercial operations will begin immediately.
Railway authorities are expected to review the technical findings, running time and safety parameters before finalising the service. If further technical concerns remain, additional trials could be conducted.
With the second trial completed ahead of schedule, attention will now turn to the next stage of the process, including the final timetable, stoppages and commencement of regular passenger operations.