As part of its push towards modernising the railway network, India is constructing its first-ever dedicated test track for comprehensive rail testing in Rajasthan. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 60 kilometres, is designed to test high-speed, semi-high-speed, and metro rolling stock with meticulous attention to safety, stability, and durability. Expected to be completed by December 2025, this track marks a milestone for Indian Railways, allowing extensive testing without disrupting existing passenger services.

Advanced Infrastructure for Cutting-Edge Rail Testing

Located between Gudha and Thathana Mithdi in the Jodhpur Division, Deedwana district of Rajasthan, the test track has been developed to simulate real-world conditions. It crosses through the Sambhar Lake area, approximately 80 kilometres from Jaipur, and includes several unique features essential for testing modern rolling stock.

The Rs 820 crore project will feature seven large bridges, 129 small bridges, and four testing stations, namely Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawan, and Mithadi. Special attention has been given to ensuring that these structures can withstand the intense demands of high-speed trials. Equipped with RCC and steel bridges designed to resist vibrations, the track is also engineered to be corrosion-resistant, thanks to stainless steel components that can withstand the alkaline environment around Sambhar Lake.

High-Speed Testing for Bullet and Semi-High-Speed Trains

A key objective of this dedicated test track is to enable trials for high-speed trains, including future bullet trains, at speeds up to 230 km/h. Once the first phase of construction is complete, these trains will undergo various tests to evaluate how they perform under conditions that mimic real operational challenges. This will include assessing stability on curved tracks, particularly at high speeds, to ensure that trains remain safe and steady while making turns.

Curved sections of the track are carefully designed to accommodate different speeds. For example, some curves are optimized for lower speeds, while others can handle higher speeds. This setup will help determine how trains respond to sharp bends without compromising speed or safety. Such features are crucial for ensuring that future trains can travel faster without the risk of derailment on curved routes.

RDSO’s Involvement in Ensuring Comprehensive Safety Standards

The Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), Indian Railways’ technical wing, is leading this project. RDSO’s team will monitor the trials, using advanced equipment to check for vibrations, structural stability, and various safety parameters. Each coach, bogie, and engine will be thoroughly tested before being approved for regular service.

This test track allows RDSO to simulate and measure how trains respond to conditions such as poor-quality tracks, uneven terrain, and sudden obstacles. Through this rigorous process, the RDSO team can better predict the operational performance of rolling stock, identifying and addressing potential safety issues before they arise in real-world applications.

Reducing Impact on Passenger Services and Operational Lines

Currently, India does not have a dedicated test track for trial runs of new trains and coaches. In the past, testing new rolling stock meant adjusting passenger schedules and allocating sections of operational tracks for trials, often causing delays and inconvenience. With the completion of the Rajasthan test track, such disruptions will no longer be necessary.

This new facility ensures that testing will not interfere with passenger services, creating a more efficient approach to quality assurance. Additionally, neighbouring countries will also be able to use the track for their own testing needs, positioning India as a leader in railway infrastructure and development in the region.

Innovative Track Features: Loops and Curves for Versatile Testing

The Rajasthan test track’s design includes several loop and curve features, which will enable precise testing under a variety of conditions:

  • High-Speed Loop in Gudha: This 13-kilometer loop is specially designed for high-speed trials, allowing RDSO to assess stability and safety at the maximum possible speeds.
  • Quick Testing Loop at Nawa Station: The 3-kilometre quick testing loop at Nawa station offers a shorter testing range for conducting rapid assessments.
  • Curve Testing Loop at Mithadi: A 20-kilometer loop with curves of varying degrees, this section allows RDSO to simulate the challenges of curving tracks at different speeds, making it ideal for testing trains’ handling capabilities and stability.

These loops and curves allow engineers to study how trains behave under different track configurations, identifying how quickly and safely they can pass through tight turns and cross-sectional changes.

Emphasis on Vibration Resistance and Corrosion-Free Structures

To ensure durability, the track’s construction uses heavy RCC (reinforced cement concrete) boxes, stainless steel, and other materials designed to withstand vibrations and harsh environmental conditions. High-speed trains can generate intense vibrations that may affect infrastructure over time. The test track’s bridges and elevated sections are vibration-resistant, allowing RDSO to observe the effect of high-speed travel on structural integrity.

Since the track runs through an alkaline environment near Sambhar Lake, where rust can be a significant issue, corrosion-resistant materials have been used to prevent deterioration. This approach ensures that the track remains in optimal condition for extensive testing over the long term.

Advanced Safety Protocols and Geotechnical Studies

The Rajasthan test track will facilitate comprehensive geotechnical studies and equipment testing, covering track material, bridge integrity, signalling gear, and TRD (Traction, Rolling Stock, and Development) equipment. Safety is prioritised at every level, and extensive testing of accident resistance and speed stability is incorporated into the project.

Trains will be tested for a variety of potential challenges, including how they perform on poor-quality track conditions, how much they wobble or jerk at high speeds, and how well they stay on track under extreme scenarios. The dedicated twisty track of 7 kilometres has been specially designed to test how rolling stock responds to these factors, adding another layer to Indian Railways’ commitment to safety.

Towards a New Era of Rail Modernisation in India

The Rajasthan test track stands as a pioneering development in India’s railway modernisation efforts. By creating a dedicated, high-speed railway testing facility, Indian Railways can rigorously test new rolling stock without impacting passenger services, ensure adherence to safety standards, and remain competitive in railway technology. Once operational, the track will support trials not only for high-speed trains but also for metro and semi-high-speed trains, supporting India’s urban transit needs.

This dedicated facility not only accelerates India’s journey towards high-speed rail but also opens up new possibilities for regional collaboration. With India’s growing expertise in rail infrastructure, the Rajasthan test track is set to become a hub for railway innovation in South Asia, offering testing services for neighbouring countries as well. As India looks toward the future, this project exemplifies Indian Railways’ commitment to safe, efficient, and advanced transportation solutions.

(With agency inputs)