The Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express reached Mangaluru Junction in 7 hours and 5 minutes during its second full-length trial run on Thursday, according to a report by Prajavani. The trial was conducted to record the time required for the proposed service between Bengaluru and the coastal city.
The train departed from Yesvantpur station at 6.50am and reached Mangaluru Junction at 1.55pm. It left Mangaluru for the return journey at 2.25pm, the report said. The second trial was limited to Mangaluru Junction, unlike the first trial, which reached Mangaluru Central station.
The latest run was substantially faster than the first time trial held on September 5. During that run, the train took 9 hours and 57 minutes to reach Mangaluru. The first trial was reportedly delayed after technical issues were observed in the 16-coach Vande Bharat rake.
The two trial runs have recorded different journey times, but the latest timing provides a new operational benchmark for the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route. The trials are intended to assess travel duration and operational performance before any regular service is introduced.
The report did not provide details on a final launch date, scheduled stops, fares or the timetable for a commercial service. Further decisions on the train’s regular operation will depend on the railway authorities’ assessment of the trial runs and related operational requirements.
