Vande Bharat completes Shiradi Ghat trial through 57 tunnels: What it means for Bengaluru–Mangaluru rail service
A Vande Bharat train has completed a two-way trial on the 55-km Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road ghat section, which has 57 tunnels. However, a commercial launch date has not been announced.
- Aug 14, 2026,
- Updated Aug 14, 2026 7:20 AM IST
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A Vande Bharat train completed a one-day trial in both directions between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road on August 12, 2026. The trial tested the train on the most technically demanding part of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru corridor.
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Reports ahead of the trial said the eight-coach trainset had been equipped with an Auto Emergency Brake system. It is designed to intervene if the train exceeds the prescribed speed on the steep ghat section, where movement is restricted to around 30kmph.
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Reports ahead of the trial said the eight-coach trainset had been equipped with an Auto Emergency Brake system. It is designed to intervene if the train exceeds the prescribed speed on the steep ghat section, where movement is restricted to around 30kmph.
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The trial supports the proposed Vande Bharat connection between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has separately said that an onward service towards Madgaon is being planned, but the trial does not confirm the final route or terminals.
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The successful trial is an important technical step, but a passenger-service date, timetable, train number, fares and final stoppages have not been announced. Further evaluation and necessary railway approvals must precede commercial operations.