The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) will start carrying out vehicular testing at the National Automotive Test Tracks also known as NATRAX. Located near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, NATRAX is known for its high-speed performance testing of premium cars.
On 4 April 2025, ARAI inaugurated an office-cum-vehicle testing workplace of the Vehicle Evaluation Laboratory (VEL) at the campus of NATRAX. This facility was inaugurated by Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI in the presence of Abdul Jabbar Akbar Badusha, Senior Deputy Director and Head VEL.
The objective of this new facility is to effectively utilise the advanced test tracks at NATRAX most likely for high-speed performance tests. This facility will cater to vehicle manufacturers, vehicular system manufacturers, and tyre manufacturers from all over the country and will serve as an important ingredient for carrying out all the advanced vehicle dynamics testing and evaluation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
ARAI & NATRAX
This signifies a broader national presence for ARAI. Headquartered in Pune, ARAI is a prominent R&D and certification organization that plays a key role in supporting India’s automotive industry through testing, emissions research, and the development of safety standards. Every new vehicle, before its market launch, has to undergo a comprehensive range of tests at ARAI.
Developed as part of the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, NATRAX covers approximately 3,000 acres and includes 14 advanced test tracks. Notably, it houses an 11.3-kilometer high-speed track—one of Asia’s longest—built to test vehicles at speeds of up to 375 km/h. The facility provides a wide range of services, such as vehicle dynamics analysis, powertrain testing, and battery evaluations, catering to both Indian and global automotive manufacturers.