Puttur: The Vande Bharat train has completed its trial run on the Sakleshpura–Subrahmanya Road section, with the train crossing Subrahmanya Road railway station and proceeding through Puttur towards Mangaluru on Thursday night.
The trial run marks an important step towards assessing the feasibility of operating the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat service on the Mangaluru–Sakleshpura route. The train had been conducting trial operations between Sakleshpura and Subrahmanya Road for several days before making the latest run beyond Subrahmanya Road.
The movement of the train through the ghat section is being closely monitored by railway authorities, as the terrain and operating conditions present several technical challenges.
Trial runs conducted in stages
The Vande Bharat train had initially been operated on the Sakleshpura–Subrahmanya Road section as part of a series of trial runs. The latest operation extended beyond Subrahmanya Road and saw the train travel through Puttur before reaching Mangaluru.
The phased approach allowed railway officials to assess the condition and suitability of the track and other railway infrastructure before moving the train towards the subsequent section of the route.
The Sakleshpura–Subrahmanya Road stretch passes through the Western Ghats and includes challenging terrain. Operating a Vande Bharat train in such a section requires detailed technical assessment to ensure safe and reliable operations.
The completion of the trial run therefore provides the Railways with additional operational data to assess the feasibility of introducing regular services.
Technical aspects under examination
Railway officials have already examined various technical aspects of the railway line during the trial operations.
The assessment includes the suitability of the track and other infrastructure for Vande Bharat operations. Officials will also examine whether any technical issues emerged while the train was operated through the ghat section.
If problems or deficiencies are identified during the assessment, corrective measures will be undertaken before regular operations are considered.
The Railways is expected to take a decision on introducing the service only after completing the necessary technical evaluations and determining that the Mangaluru–Sakleshpura line meets the requirements for Vande Bharat operations.
Ghat section poses operational challenges
The movement of a Vande Bharat train through the Western Ghats presents unique operational challenges compared with regular railway sections.
The terrain, gradients, curves and other characteristics of the route require careful evaluation before a high-speed train service can be introduced.
For this reason, railway authorities opted to conduct trial runs before considering the extension of the train towards Mangaluru.
The successful completion of the latest trial run will provide officials with further information about how the train performs on the route and whether additional infrastructure or operational changes are required.
However, the completion of a trial run does not by itself confirm the commencement of a regular Vande Bharat service. The final decision will depend on the Railways’ technical assessment and other operational considerations.
Demand for stoppages gains momentum
Meanwhile, demands are growing for the proposed Vande Bharat service to be given stoppages at stations along the route.
Residents and railway users in the region are seeking clarity on whether the train would halt at important stations between Mangaluru and Sakleshpura if regular operations are introduced.
Railway officials are expected to examine the technical feasibility of providing stoppages at stations along this section.
The issue of stoppages will be particularly significant for passengers in areas along the route, who are hoping that the proposed service will improve connectivity rather than merely provide a faster link between the terminal stations.
Regular service depends on Railways’ assessment
With the trial run now completed, attention has shifted to the Railways’ assessment of the Mangaluru–Sakleshpura railway line.
Officials will have to evaluate the findings from the trial operations and determine whether the route is suitable for regular Vande Bharat services. Any required technical or infrastructure-related improvements will also have to be completed before the service can be introduced.
The completion of the trial run through Subrahmanya Road and Puttur towards Mangaluru has nevertheless raised expectations among passengers and railway users in the coastal and Malnad regions.
If the route receives the necessary clearance and is found suitable for Vande Bharat operations, the service could strengthen connectivity between Mangaluru and the Sakleshpura region while providing passengers with an additional modern rail travel option.
For now, passengers will have to await the Railways’ final assessment and an official announcement regarding the commencement of regular Vande Bharat operations on the route.