Now Reading: Vande Bharat trial run successful through Bengaluru-Mangaluru ghat
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Vande Bharat trial run successful through Bengaluru-Mangaluru ghat
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed a trial run through the challenging Shiradi Ghat section between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subrahmanya in Karnataka, bringing the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru service closer to reality. The…
The Story in Brief
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed a trial run through the challenging Shiradi Ghat section between Sakleshpur and Kukke Subrahmanya in Karnataka, bringing the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru service closer to reality. The semi-high-speed train was tested on the difficult ghat terrain known for sharp curves and steep gradients. Sakleshpur MLA Cement Manju performed a puja at the station and distributed sweets, saying he had pushed the railway minister for better connectivity.
The train is expected to have 20 coaches and capacity for about 1,080 passengers, with an Automatic Emergency Braking system for safety. The trial will help authorities evaluate performance before deciding on regular services. Residents and travellers in Hassan and Dakshina Kannada have welcomed the move, hoping it will boost tourism and business between Bengaluru and the coast.
The Indian Opinion
The Vande Bharat hype often sidesteps the real challenge: whether a semi-high-speed train can safely negotiate the Shiradi Ghat’s tight curves and gradients. The successful trial is a good sign, but technical and safety clearances remain. The real test will be the Railways’ own report on braking performance and speed limits through the ghat, that will decide if this service is truly fast or just another express in disguise.
Source: siasat.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
