NEW DELHI: Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track is expected to be complete by March 2026. The 64-km track, on which trains will be tested at a speed of 220 kmph, is being developed in Jodhpur division in Rajasthan with an investment of Rs 967 crore.Railway officials said the stretch is being built in two phases between Gudha and Thathana Mithri, around 70 km from Jaipur. They added that approximately 58 km of the track has been completed.
“With the construction of this track, India will be the first country to have comprehensive testing facilities for rolling stock, meeting international standards as per UIC-518/EN-14363 (key railway standards defining methods for testing and approval of rolling stock dynamics). This track will be a unique one globally, as most test tracks currently available elsewhere are shorter than its length,” said an official.The track will provide testing facilities for high-speed rolling stock manufactured worldwide. Comprehensive testing facilities for high-speed rolling stock and components, including speed testing, stability, safety parameters, crash resistance and rolling stock quality, are being developed under this project, as per officials. The dedicated test track will also ensure the testing of track materials, bridges, traction distribution equipment, signalling gear and geotechnical studies.The dedicated test track has seven major bridges, 129 minor bridges and four stations. With its operationalisation, trials can be conducted for a high-speed train passing curved sections without slowing down. Of these curves, some are made for lower speed and some for high speed.