India’s first dedicated railway test track is under construction in Rajasthan, aimed at facilitating advanced testing of rolling stock. Expected to be completed by December 2025, this 60-kilometer test track will enable high-speed trials, including for bullet trains, and introduce new capabilities in railway infrastructure.
Located near Sambhar Lake in the Jodhpur Division, about 80 kilometers from Jaipur, the track runs between Gudha and Thathana Mithdi in the Deedwana district. The project, sanctioned in two phases—Phase 1 in 2018 and Phase 2 in 2021—comes with a total cost of Rs 820 crore.
The layout includes numerous curved sections designed for testing train performance at varying speeds. With curves tailored for both low- and high-speed tests, the track allows for realistic assessments of how trains respond to sharp turns without reducing speed. Once operational, the track will accommodate speeds of up to 230 kmph, marking a milestone for high-speed rail testing in India.
The facility will also test comprehensive safety and durability parameters such as accident resistance, rolling stock stability, and track material quality. RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) is overseeing the project, which features seven large bridges, 129 small bridges, and four stations—Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawan, and Mithadi.
The project’s engineering includes RCC and steel bridges built to withstand the high-speed vibrations of modern trains. Stainless steel components have been used to prevent corrosion in Sambhar Lake’s alkaline environment, ensuring longevity and safety. This test track will allow India to conduct all train trials domestically, avoiding disruptions to regular rail schedules. It will be available for testing by neighboring countries, too, showcasing India’s growing expertise in railway infrastructure.
In addition to bullet trains, the track will test high-speed, semi-high-speed, and metro trains in the future. RDSO will evaluate every parameter of train performance, including stability and safety on deteriorated tracks, before any coach, bogie, or engine is cleared for regular use.
The layout includes a high-speed loop of 13 km at Gudha, a 3 km quick-testing loop at Nawa, and a 20 km curve-testing loop at Meethadi. Additionally, a 7 km twisty track section is being laid to evaluate the train’s response on damaged tracks, aiming to enhance safety protocols for varying rail conditions.
(Inputs from ANI)
