| Work Detail |
Indias first dedicated railway test track, set to revolutionize the testing of high-speed rolling stock, is under construction in Rajasthan and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Spanning 60 km between Gudha and Thathana Mithdi in the Nawa region of Jodhpur Division, the track is designed to facilitate comprehensive testing of trains, including bullet trains, at speeds up to 230 kmph.
The test track, a crucial infrastructure project with a total cost of ?820 crore, will support the testing of various parameters such as speed, stability, safety, and accident resistance. It features both straight sections and curved tracks with varying degrees, allowing for the evaluation of how trains perform at high speeds on curves without reducing velocity. The track includes several testing loops, such as a 3 km quick testing loop at Nawa station and a 20 km curve testing loop at Meethadi.
Construction of the track has been divided into two phases, with Phase 1 approved in 2018 and Phase 2 in 2021. So far, 27 km of the track has been completed. The track will include seven major bridges, 129 smaller bridges, and four stations (Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawan, and Mithadi). Specially designed to withstand vibrations, the track also includes vibration-resistant RCC and steel bridges. Stainless steel has been used for the bridge components to prevent rusting, especially in the alkaline environment of Sambhar Lake.
This test facility will play a key role in improving the safety and quality of Indias rolling stock, as all trains, from high-speed bullet trains to semi-high-speed and metro trains, will be tested here. The project also aims to meet international standards by providing a testing platform for trains from neighboring countries.
By providing a dedicated facility for the trial of trains, coaches, and engines, the new track will reduce disruptions on busy existing railway lines. The Resource Design Standard Organization (RDSO) will oversee the testing processes, ensuring that each component meets the safety and operational standards before being put into service.
The test track’s unique infrastructure will also support critical tests of track material, bridges, signaling equipment, and geotechnical structures, making it a milestone project for Indias railway modernization. |
