The 20-coach Vande Bharat Express successfully completed a trial run between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subrahmanya through the Shiradi Ghat route
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed a trial run on the Sakleshpur-Kukke Subrahmanya section of the Shiradi Ghat route in Hassan district. The 20-coach train is expected to connect Bengaluru and Mangaluru and could soon begin regular passenger services. The trial run marks a significant step towards introducing faster rail connectivity between Bengaluru, Hassan and the coastal region.
Hassan: The Vande Bharat Express has successfully conducted a trial run between Sakleshpur railway station in Hassan district and Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada district.
The trial run was conducted along the Shiradi Ghat railway section, which includes gradients and curves through the Western Ghats.
The proposed service is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru while providing passengers with a faster train service.
Vande Bharat Train Reaches Sakleshpur in Hassan
The Vande Bharat Express arrived at Sakleshpur railway station as part of the trial-run process.
Local MLA Cement Manju performed a special puja for the train and distributed sweets at the railway station.
The MLA had reportedly approached Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna on several occasions seeking the introduction of Vande Bharat services through the region.
The railway electrification work along the relevant section has also been completed, enabling the trial operation of the train.
20-Coach Vande Bharat Can Carry 1,080 Passengers
The Vande Bharat Express being tested on the route consists of 20 coaches. The train can accommodate around 1,080 passengers at a time.
The train is equipped with modern safety features intended to support operations on sections involving gradients and curves.
An Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system has been installed to assist with train safety, particularly while operating through the ghat section.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Service
The proposed Vande Bharat service is expected to improve connectivity between Bengaluru and the coastal Karnataka region.
Passengers travelling between Bengaluru, Hassan and Mangaluru could benefit from a faster rail service once regular operations begin.
The successful trial run is an important step before the proposed passenger service is introduced. However, the commencement date and final operational schedule will depend on the completion of the required railway procedures and approvals.
Hassan and Coastal Karnataka Await Regular Service
Passengers in Hassan and neighbouring coastal districts have been seeking improved rail connectivity between the interior and coastal regions.
The introduction of a Vande Bharat service on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route is expected to provide another travel option for passengers.
Following the successful trial run, there is growing anticipation that the service could soon be opened to the public.
The regular operation of the train, including its timetable and stops, will be determined by the railway authorities.
