June 3 Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Trial Run Cancelled

June 3 Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Trial Run Cancelled

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 1, 2026: The much-anticipated trial run of the proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express, scheduled for June 3, has been cancelled by the South Western Railway, casting uncertainty over the immediate rollout of the premium train service for Coastal Karnataka.

The Office of the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager (CPTM), South Western Railway, has issued an official order withdrawing the proposed trial run and has communicated the decision to all concerned railway divisions. As a result, all operational arrangements and station-level preparations made for the exercise have also been cancelled.

According to South Western Railway Message No. T.454/YPR-MAQ Vande Bharat/2026-27(241) dated May 31, 2026, the proposal to conduct the trial run of the Vande Bharat Express between Yeshvantpur (YPR) and Mangaluru (MAQ), with a return journey to Yeshvantpur, on June 3 has been formally withdrawn.

The trial run was expected to be a crucial step in assessing the feasibility of introducing the Vande Bharat service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route. Railway authorities had planned to operate an eight-coach Vande Bharat train between the two cities to evaluate factors such as speed, track capacity, and operational performance through tunnels and the challenging ghat sections of the route.

Particular attention was to be given to the Shiradi Ghat section, where the train’s performance under demanding terrain conditions was expected to be tested. The proposed trial had generated significant interest among railway enthusiasts and the public, who were keenly awaiting the arrival of the semi-high-speed train in the coastal region.

While the Railways has not officially disclosed the reason behind the cancellation, sources indicate that the non-availability of the required rake, operational priorities, and certain technical considerations may have influenced the decision.

Notably, freight train operations continue uninterrupted through the Shiradi Ghat section, suggesting that there are no major infrastructure-related constraints on the route. Railway sources, however, point out that the special arrangements and dedicated rake required for the Vande Bharat trial may not have been available as planned.

The proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat service has raised high expectations among residents of Coastal Karnataka and Dakshina Kannada district. The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities while boosting tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity.

With the June 3 trial run now cancelled, railway authorities are yet to announce a revised schedule. Stakeholders and passengers are awaiting an official update on the next steps and the future timeline for the introduction of the Vande Bharat service on the route.