Vande Bharat Express train trial on Sakleshpur ghat section of Mangaluru-Bengaluru route begins
South Western Railway has begun field trials for a specially-modified Vande Bharat Express train on the challenging Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section. The trials aim to test the train's braking capabilities on steep gradients to determine if the route can support the high-speed service.
Why it matters
Successful implementation would significantly improve connectivity and travel time between the major economic hubs of Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
Field trials of a specially-modified Vande Bharat Express train rake on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section commenced on August 12. The rake has been fitted with automatic emergency brake, which is essential to operate the train on the ghat section.
The trials are being conducted by the Mysuru division of South Western Railway.
The custom-built 20-car rake had arrived in Mysuru last week from Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. After a few static trials at Mysuru on August 11, the rake was brought to Sakleshpur the same night.
Field trials commenced early in the morning on August 12 with Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) personnel on board examining various parameters. The trials will go on till afternoon, according to Mysuru DRM Mudit Mitral.
Successful trials would pave the way for introducing a Vande Bharat Express train service on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route.
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