Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Trial Run Cancelled as SWR Withdraws Plan Ahead of June 3 Launch

In a setback for railway enthusiasts and passengers awaiting faster connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, the South Western Railway (SWR) has cancelled the trial run of the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express that was scheduled for June 3. The trial, which was to be conducted between Yeshwantpur and Mangaluru to assess the train's performance, operational feasibility and track capability along the route, was withdrawn through an official communication issued by the Office of the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager (CPTM). While railway authorities have not cited a specific reason for the cancellation, sources indicated that rake availability, operational priorities and technical considerations may have influenced the decision.

The proposed trial had generated significant interest among railway enthusiasts, particularly as it would have tested the semi-high-speed train's performance through the challenging Shiradi Ghat section, one of the most demanding railway stretches connecting Bengaluru with the coastal region.

According to railway sources, an eight-coach Vande Bharat train was scheduled to operate from Yeshwantpur to Mangaluru and return on the same day as part of a technical assessment exercise. The trial was expected to evaluate various operational parameters before the service could be considered for regular operations.

Following the withdrawal of the proposal, all operational arrangements and station-level preparations planned for the trial have been cancelled across the concerned railway divisions.

Although the railway administration has remained tight-lipped on the exact reasons behind the move, officials noted that freight train services continue to operate normally through the Shiradi Ghat section, indicating that there are no major infrastructure-related disruptions on the route.

Railway observers believe the postponement may be linked to the availability of a dedicated Vande Bharat rake and the specialised operational arrangements required to conduct the trial run.

The proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat service is being keenly awaited by residents of Coastal Karnataka and Dakshina Kannada district. Once introduced, the train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities while enhancing tourism, business travel and regional connectivity.

With the June 3 trial now cancelled, uncertainty remains over the project's immediate future. Railway authorities are yet to announce a revised date for the trial run, though an official update is expected in the coming days.