Vande Bharat Conducts Full-Route Trial Run Between Yeshwanthpur and Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sept 6, 2026: A 16-car Vande Bharat Express between Yeshwanthpur and Mangaluru underwent a full-route trial run on Saturday, with South Western Railway (SWR) officials assessing travel time, sectional timings, speed and other operational aspects.

The trial train departed Yeshwanthpur Junction at 6.05 am and travelled via Hassan, Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road before reaching Mangaluru Central at 4.30 pm.

The trial was conducted primarily to determine realistic running times for the proposed service, including through the challenging Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section, which features sharp curves, gradients and other geographical constraints.

Earlier in August, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) had conducted various trials, including automatic emergency braking, full-weight and ghat-section tests, to assess the train’s performance on the difficult stretch.

Officials from traction operations, traction distribution, engineering and mechanical departments monitored Saturday’s trial. The stations covered during the exercise are being considered for timing assessment, while the final stoppages for the proposed service are yet to be decided.

The trial report will be submitted to the Railway Board. Following approval, a detailed timetable will be prepared. The final decision on the launch of the Vande Bharat service rests with the Railway Ministry.