NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is on the verge of commissioning a landmark infrastructure facility that will transform how the national transporter evaluates new trains and technologies.
A dedicated 59-kilometre high-speed test track in Rajasthan, the country’s first of its kind, is nearing completion and is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026.
Once ready, it will enable rigorous trials of rolling stock, including semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, at speeds of up to 220 kmph beginning in 2027-28.
The project, developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at a cost of Rs 967.07 crore, is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, approximately 70 kilometres from Jaipur.
It falls under the administrative control of North Western Railway (NWR) and is designed as a comprehensive testing ground for both rolling stock and various elements of railway infrastructure.
Current Progress and Timeline
Construction has reached an advanced stage. North Western Railway has already completed alteration works at Gudha station to integrate the test track with the existing network.
These modifications involved updates to the Kyosan electronic interlocking system, including slot controls and point indication circuits for 18 points, carried out in line with the latest safety guidelines.
A 4.5-kilometre twisted track section, intended for static testing of rolling stock, has been completed and commissioned.
Work on the 31.5-kilometre high-speed stretch and the 3-kilometre accelerated testing loop is nearly finished and is targeted for completion by September 2026.
The 20-kilometre curve testing loop at Mithri is also in an advanced stage and is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.
Full facility readiness is projected by December 2026, paving the way for trials from the following financial year.
Layout Designed for Diverse Testing Conditions
The track has been carefully segmented to simulate a wide range of operating scenarios. It comprises a 23-kilometre main line, a 13-kilometre high-speed loop at Gudha, a 3-kilometre accelerated testing loop at Nawa, and a 20-kilometre curve testing loop at Mithri. Supporting infrastructure includes seven major bridges, 129 minor bridges, and four stations; Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawa and Mithri.
Beyond trains, the facility will allow evaluation of track materials, bridges, traction distribution equipment, signalling systems and geotechnical parameters under controlled conditions. This multi-purpose design is intended to accelerate the safe introduction of new technologies across the Indian railway network.
Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, confirmed to The Indian Express that the project is in its final stage. He stated: “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 further noted that trials of different types of rolling stock, including Vande Bharat trainsets, are expected to commence in 2027-28. On completion, Sudarshan added, “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.”
Why the Facility Matters
Until now, Indian Railways has relied largely on commercial lines for testing, which limited both the scope and the maximum speeds that could be safely achieved.
The new dedicated track will allow systematic assessment according to globally recognised standards UIC-518 and the European standard EN-14363 that govern the dynamic behaviour, safety and running characteristics of railway vehicles.
This capability is expected to reduce the time required to validate and induct new train designs, improve safety outcomes, and support the ongoing modernisation of the network. It will also enable testing of equipment developed both in India and overseas, potentially positioning the country as a regional hub for railway technology validation.
The initiative was approved in two phases: the first in December 2018 and the second in November 2021. Its development reflects Indian Railways’ broader push towards higher speeds, indigenous manufacturing under programmes such as Vande Bharat, and alignment with international best practices in rolling-stock certification.
As the remaining sections approach completion in the coming months, the Rajasthan test track stands as a significant step in strengthening India’s railway research and testing ecosystem.
Once operational, it is poised to play a central role in ensuring that future generations of trains meet the highest standards of performance and safety before entering commercial service.
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