Last Updated:
India’s first high-speed test track is nearing completion in Rajasthan. The 59-km facility is expected to begin testing Vande Bharat trainsets and other rolling stock from 2027-28
The testing programme is expected to include semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, among other types of rolling stock.
Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track is nearing completion, with the ambitious Rs 967.07-crore project in Rajasthan entering its final stages. Developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the facility is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, around 70 km from Jaipur. The project is being implemented under the administrative jurisdiction of North Western Railway (NWR).
Speaking to Indian Express, NWR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Amit Sudarshan said the country’s first dedicated high-speed test track is in the final stage of completion.
The facility is designed to allow Indian Railways to test trains and railway equipment developed in India and around the world, potentially helping the national transporter adopt new technologies faster and improve the performance of trains and railway infrastructure.
59-Km Test Track To Cover Different Testing Needs
A new 59-km broad-gauge dedicated test track has been developed between Gudha and Thathana Mithri. The project has been designed as a comprehensive testing facility for rolling stock and will include multiple specialised sections:
- 23-km main line
- 13-km high-speed loop at Gudha
- 3-km accelerated testing loop at Nawa
- 20-km curve testing loop at Mithri
- 4.5-km twisted track for static rolling-stock testing
The twisted track has already been completed and commissioned, while work on the other sections is progressing towards completion.
High-Speed Stretch, Accelerated Loop To Be Ready By September
The railway official said work on the 31.5-km high-speed stretch and the 3-km accelerated testing loop is almost complete. These sections are expected to be completed by September 2026.
The 20-km curve testing loop at Mithri is also at an advanced stage of construction and is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.
Vande Bharat Trials Expected From 2027-28
Testing and trials of different types of rolling stock are expected to begin at the facility in 2027-28. The testing programme is expected to include semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, among other types of rolling stock.
The dedicated facility will allow trains and railway equipment to undergo specialised testing under controlled conditions before being introduced or deployed more widely on the railway network.
What Else Will Be Tested At The Facility?
The test track is not limited to rolling stock. According to NWR, the facility will also be used to test several components and systems associated with railway infrastructure.
These include:
- Track materials
- Bridges
- Traction Distribution (TRD) equipment
- Signalling systems
- Geotechnical parameters
This could provide Indian Railways with a dedicated environment to evaluate new technologies, materials and systems before their wider deployment.
Gudha Station Gets Major Safety Modifications
As part of the latest work, NWR has completed alteration work at Gudha station to connect it with the RDSO Dedicated Test Track.
The work included modifications to the existing Kyosan electronic interlocking system of the Jodhpur Division. It involved providing slot controls towards Gudha End Station and modifying point indication circuits for all 18 points.
According to the railway official, the changes were carried out in accordance with the latest safety guidelines and are intended to improve safety during point operations.
Seven Major Bridges, 129 Minor Bridges And Four Stations
The dedicated test track project was approved in two phases. Phase I was sanctioned in December 2018, while Phase II received approval in November 2021.
The project includes significant supporting infrastructure, including seven major bridges and 129 minor bridges.
Four stations are also part of the test-track network:
- Gudha
- Jabdinagar
- Nawa
- Mithri
The combination of specialised loops, testing sections, bridges and stations is intended to create a comprehensive railway testing ecosystem.
Why The Test Track Is Significant For Indian Railways
The facility is expected to play a major role in the development and validation of faster trains and new railway technologies in India.
At present, testing new rolling stock and railway systems can involve operational constraints because India’s existing railway network also carries regular passenger and freight traffic. A dedicated test facility can provide greater flexibility for conducting specialised trials at different speeds and under varied track conditions.
According to NWR, the facility is being developed to international standards and will enable comprehensive testing of rolling stock in accordance with UIC-518 and EN-14363.
Once completed, Indian Railways expects the facility to strengthen its ability to evaluate new rolling stock and infrastructure technologies and accelerate their adoption.
India Set To Get International-Standard Rolling Stock Testing Facility
With the project nearing completion, the Rajasthan facility is poised to become a major testing centre for India’s railway network.
Railway officials said the comprehensive facility will make India the first country to have testing infrastructure for rolling stock meeting international standards under UIC-518/EN-14363.
With the high-speed sections and specialised testing loops expected to become operational by the end of 2026, the facility is set to enter its next phase before trials of Vande Bharat and other rolling stock begin in 2027-28.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Vande Bharat train trials are expected to begin at the new facility in Rajasthan from 2027-28.
Ask News18August 25, 2026, 15:00 IST
Read More