Kadaba: The trial run of a Vande Bharat train on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road railway section was inspected on Tuesday as senior railway officials reviewed operational safety, infrastructure readiness and the progress of passenger amenity works along the Western Ghats route.
The inspection assumes significance as the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section is considered one of the technically challenging stretches of the railway network. The route passes through the Western Ghats and features steep gradients, tunnels, bridges and sharp curves.
South Western Railway General Manager P Ananth inspected the section during the Vande Bharat trial run and reviewed various operational and safety aspects associated with running the train on the route.
Safety aspects reviewed
During the inspection, Ananth assessed the readiness of railway infrastructure along the section and obtained details from officials regarding operational requirements.
The terrain presents several challenges for railway operations, with the line passing through hilly areas and multiple tunnels and bridges. Gradients and curves also require careful attention to operational and safety procedures.
The General Manager reviewed the preparedness of the railway authorities and emphasised the importance of maintaining safety standards while carrying out infrastructure and passenger-related works.
The inspection also provided an opportunity for officials to assess whether ongoing works along the route were progressing in accordance with the required timelines and technical standards.
Station redevelopment works inspected
Ananth also inspected ongoing infrastructure works at Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road railway stations.
The works are being carried out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which focuses on improving railway stations through upgraded passenger facilities and infrastructure.
During the inspection, the General Manager sought information about the progress of station redevelopment works from the officials concerned.
The review covered passenger and platform facilities, areas surrounding the railway stations and other infrastructure-related works being undertaken at the two stations.
Officials briefed him on the current status of the projects and the requirements for completing the remaining works.
Focus on passenger convenience
Passenger convenience was among the key aspects highlighted during the inspection.
Railway stations along important routes need adequate facilities to accommodate passengers safely and efficiently. Under the station redevelopment programme, attention is being given to improving passenger amenities and the overall station environment.
Ananth directed officials to ensure that the ongoing works are completed within the stipulated time.
He also stressed that safety, quality and passenger convenience should remain the primary considerations while executing the projects.
Officials were advised to continuously monitor the progress of the works so that delays or implementation-related issues could be addressed promptly.
Coordination among departments stressed
The General Manager also instructed railway officials to maintain proper coordination among the departments involved in the various infrastructure projects.
Several works associated with station redevelopment and railway infrastructure require coordination between different technical and operational teams. Regular monitoring and communication, officials were told, would help ensure that projects are completed efficiently.
The emphasis on timely completion comes as railway authorities continue to strengthen infrastructure and passenger amenities along the route.
Challenging Western Ghats section
The Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road railway section is known for its challenging geographical terrain.
The railway line traverses the Western Ghats, requiring trains to operate through sections containing tunnels, bridges, gradients and curves.
Such terrain makes infrastructure maintenance and operational planning particularly important. Any introduction or trial of a high-speed train service on the route therefore requires careful assessment of railway infrastructure, operational conditions and safety requirements.
The Vande Bharat trial run provided railway officials with an opportunity to assess the route in connection with the proposed operation and review the preparedness of the infrastructure.
Officials attend inspection
Mysuru Division Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal and other divisional officials were present during the inspection.
The officials provided the General Manager with details regarding the progress of various infrastructure works, passenger facilities and operational requirements along the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section.
The inspection concluded with directions to ensure that the ongoing projects move forward according to schedule while maintaining the required standards.
The trial run and infrastructure review mark another step in the assessment of the Western Ghats railway section, with safety and infrastructure preparedness remaining central to any future passenger train operations on the route.