Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat's trial run today on a challenging terrain

The 16-coach Vande Bharat from Bengaluru to Mangaluru is one of the most awaited services waiting to be launched. The train is unlike others in the series and is fitted with an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, as it has to navigate challenging terrain consisting of 57 tunnels, 226 bridges, 108 sharp mountain curves, and more. Its route is also known as the 'green route,' owing to the many waterfalls, misty hills and mountains that passengers get to see while travelling on the train.

The train's official timing trial run is being held today (September 5, 2026). It departed from Yeshwantpur at 6.05 am and was scheduled to reach Mangaluru Central at 2.25 pm, after an 8.20-hour journey. The stops en route are Hassan, Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road. As per the schedule, the train would reach Hassan around 9 am, Sakleshpur by 9.55 am and Subrahmanya Road by 12.30 pm. The train covers a total distance of 363km. In the return direction, the train is scheduled to leave Mangaluru Central at 3 pm, reach Subrahmanya Road at 4.30 pm, Sakleshpur at 6.30 pm, Hassan at 7.20 pm and Yeshwantpur at 11 pm.

Time saved
The new Vande Bharat on the route is aiming to finish the service in 8 hours. Currently, the KSR Bengaluru - Kozhikode Express(16511), the fastest train on the route, takes about 9 hours 23 minutes. Unlike many trains that bypass Mangaluru to save time, the new Vande Bharat will drop passengers directly at Mangaluru Central.