The much-awaited Vande Bharat trial operation on the Sakleshpur–Mangaluru railway route has reached a significant milestone, with the train successfully crossing Subrahmanya Road and proceeding towards Mangaluru via Puttur on Thursday night. For the past few days, trial runs had been carried out between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road to assess the train’s performance on the challenging ghat section. The latest trial extended beyond Subrahmanya Road, passing through Puttur before reaching Mangaluru, marking an important step towards the proposed service.
Operating a high-speed Vande Bharat train through the Sakleshpur ghat region presents several technical challenges. The trial runs were therefore undertaken to evaluate the track, gradients, curves and other operational aspects before moving ahead with the service. Railway authorities have been closely monitoring the infrastructure and technical conditions along the route. Any shortcomings detected during the trials will be addressed through necessary repairs or modifications.
The commencement of regular Vande Bharat services will depend on the Railways’ final assessment of the Mangaluru–Sakleshpur line and its suitability for operating the train safely and efficiently. Meanwhile, there is growing demand from passengers and local residents for the proposed service to have stoppages at key stations along the route. Railway authorities are expected to examine the technical feasibility of providing such halts. With the trial run now successfully completed, all eyes are on the Railways’ evaluation and the subsequent decision on introducing regular Vande Bharat services between Mangaluru and Sakleshpur.
