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57 tunnels, 226 bridges, 108 curves: How Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat conquered Western Ghats

By PRASAD PRABHAKAR JOSHI • 2026-08-31 05:43 • 4 views   Share WhatsApp Share Facebook Share X
57 tunnels, 226 bridges, 108 curves: How Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat conquered Western Ghats

The breathtaking aerial footage of a Vande Bharat train gliding through the misty Western Ghats is more than a monsoon postcard — it is a testament to Indian Railways’ engineering triumphs. This corridor, stretching nearly 55 km, is among the most demanding in the country. It weaves through a landscape of tunnels carved into mountains, bridges spanning deep valleys, and sharp curves that test the agility of modern rolling stock. The steep gradients challenge locomotives, while the monsoon brings the added threat of landslides, requiring constant vigilance and maintenance.

Years of meticulous planning and construction have gone into stabilizing this route, making it safe for high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. The sight of its orange-and-white coaches slicing through a sea of green symbolizes not just speed and modernity, but also resilience against nature’s toughest tests. For passengers, the journey offers a rare blend of cutting-edge rail technology and breathtaking scenery. For engineers, it stands as proof of India’s ability to overcome formidable geographical challenges. In every frame of that video lies a story of grit, innovation, and the enduring romance of rail travel through one of the subcontinent’s most iconic landscapes.

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