High Speed test track in India: Indian Railways’ first high-speed test track is nearing completion. The project is being developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at a cost of Rs 967.07 crore. The facility is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, about 70 km from Jaipur. The infrastructure project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of North Western Railway (NWR).

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway (NWR), said the country’s first dedicated high-speed test track is in final stage of completion. The facility in Rajasthan will be used to test trains and other railway equipment made around the world. It is expected to help Indian Railways adopt new technology faster and improve the performance of trains and railway infrastructure.

“A new BG (Broad Gauge) Dedicated Test Track of 59 Km has been developed between Gudha-Thathana Mithri in Jodhpur Division (about 70 Km from Jaipur) in Rajasthan. India will be the first country to have comprehensive testing facilities of international standards for Rolling Stocks as per UIC-518/EN-14363,” he added.

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The official added that testing and trials of various types of rolling stock, including semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, are expected to begin in 2027-28 at the testing facilities.

Indian Railways’ first high-speed test track: Latest update

Sharing the latest update on the project, the Railway official said that NWR has successfully completed the alteration work at Gudha Station to connect the RDSO Dedicated Test Track. “The work involved modifications to the existing Kyosan electronic interlocking system of the Jodhpur division, including the provision of slot controls towards Gudha End Station and modification of point indication circuits for all 18 points. These changes have been made in line with the latest safety guidelines and are aimed at improving safety during point operations,” he added.

The CPRO said the high-speed test track project includes a 23-km main line, a 13-km high-speed loop at Gudha, a 3-km accelerated testing loop at Nawa, and a 20-km curve testing loop at Mithri.

“Twisted track (4.5 km) for static testing of Rolling stock has already been completed and commissioned. Work of 31.5 km high-speed stretch and 3 km accelerated testing loop is almost complete and will be completed by September 2026. Curve testing loop at Mithri (20 km) is also in advanced stage and this stretch will also be operational by the end of 2026,” the Railway official said.

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About India’s first high-speed test track

Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track was approved in two phases, with Phase 1 sanctioned in December 2018 and Phase 2 in November 2021. The project includes seven major bridges, 129 minor bridges and four stations: Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawa and Mithri.

According to the Railway official, the test track will be used not only to test trains but also track materials, bridges, TRD (Traction Distribution) equipment, signalling systems and various geotechnical parameters.

“Upon completion of this dedicated test track, India will become the first country to possess comprehensive testing facilities for rolling stock that meet international standards in accordance with UIC-518/EN-14363,” he said.