Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track in Rajasthan is nearing completion, with the remaining works expected to be finished by the end of 2026, according to The Indian Express.
The Rs 967.07-crore project is being developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Division.
Located around 70 km from Jaipur, the facility is being developed as a comprehensive testing ground for rolling stock and railway infrastructure. It is expected to allow Indian Railways to test new technologies and equipment before their wider deployment.
Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway (NWR), said the country’s first dedicated high-speed test track is in the final stage of completion. The facility will be used to test trains and railway equipment developed in India and abroad.
“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, reported The Indian Express.
The official said trials of different types of rolling stock, including semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, are expected to start at the facility in 2027-28.
31.5-km high-speed stretch nearing completion
The test track has been designed with multiple sections to assess trains under different operating conditions. The project comprises 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.
Providing an update on the construction, Sudarshan said North Western Railway has completed alteration work at Gudha station to connect the RDSO Dedicated Test Track with the existing railway network.
“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, as per The Indian Express.
A 4.5-km twisted track, designed for static testing of rolling stock, has already been completed and commissioned. The remaining 31.5-km high-speed stretch and the 3-km accelerated testing loop are expected to be completed by September 2026.
“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.
Track, signalling and bridges among facilities to be tested
The project was approved in two phases, with the first phase sanctioned in December 2018 and the second in November 2021. The infrastructure includes seven major bridges, 129 minor bridges and four stations — Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawa and Mithri.
Beyond rolling stock, the test track will be used to assess track materials, bridges, traction distribution equipment, signalling systems and various geotechnical parameters. This will allow different railway components to be evaluated under controlled conditions before being introduced into regular operations.
The facility is also intended to provide testing infrastructure based on international standards for rolling stock. According to the Railway official, its testing capabilities will cover requirements under UIC-518 and EN-14363.
“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.