Vande Bharat Express Reaches Hassan With Successful Shiradi Ghat Trial Run
The Vande Bharat Express has completed a successful trial run through the challenging Shiradi Ghat route, strengthening hopes of faster travel between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka.
Vande Bharat Express completed its Shiradi Ghat trial run.
Hassan gained a major railway connectivity boost.
Bengaluru Mangaluru service could begin soon.
The long awaited arrival of the Vande Bharat Express in Hassan district has moved a step closer to becoming a reality. The train recently completed a trial run between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subrahmanya, covering the difficult Shiradi Ghat section that connects the Bengaluru region with coastal Karnataka.
The trial is being seen as an important development for passengers who regularly travel between Bengaluru, Hassan and Mangaluru. The route includes steep gradients and sharp curves, making railway operations through the ghat section particularly demanding.
At Sakleshpur railway station, local MLA Cement Manju welcomed the train and conducted a special prayer before distributing sweets. The MLA had earlier raised the demand for a Vande Bharat service on this route with Railway Minister of State V Somanna.
The railway infrastructure has also been strengthened for the proposed service. Electrification work along the Sakleshpur route has been completed, allowing the trial operation to move forward.
The train used for the trial has 20 coaches and can accommodate around 1,080 passengers. It also comes with an automatic emergency braking system designed to provide additional safety during operations, particularly on challenging sections of the route.
The successful trial has increased expectations that a regular Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru could be introduced soon. Passengers in Hassan and the coastal districts have been seeking a faster and more comfortable rail connection for years.
A regular service would offer an important alternative for travellers while also improving connectivity between the interior and coastal parts of Karnataka. The exact schedule and public launch date, however, are yet to be announced.
