India's First High-Speed Rail Test Track in Rajasthan Nears Completion

Indian Railways' first dedicated high-speed test track, developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), is in its final stages of completion. The 59-km broad-gauge facility, located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of Jodhpur Division (about 70 km from Jaipur), is being built at a cost of Rs 967.07 crore under the administrative control of North Western Railway (NWR).

Once operational, the track will be used to test trains and railway equipment from around the world. This is expected to accelerate the adoption of new technology and improve the performance of both rolling stock and rail infrastructure. According to NWR officials, India will become the first country to have comprehensive testing facilities for rolling stock that meet international standards (UIC-518/EN-14363).

The project includes a 23-km main line, a 13-km high-speed loop at Gudha, a 3-km accelerated testing loop at Nawa, and a 20-km curve testing loop at Mithri. A 4.5-km twisted track for static testing has already been completed and commissioned. Work on the 31.5-km high-speed stretch and the 3-km accelerated loop is nearly finished, with completion expected by September 2026. The curve testing loop at Mithri is also in an advanced stage and should be operational by the end of 2026.

Testing and trials of various rolling stock, including semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trainsets, are expected to begin in 2027-28. NWR has also completed alteration work at Gudha Station to connect the test track, including modifications to the electronic interlocking system and safety upgrades for point operations.

The project was approved in two phases — Phase 1 in December 2018 and Phase 2 in November 2021. It includes seven major bridges, 129 minor bridges, and four stations: Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawa, and Mithri. Beyond trains, the facility will also test track materials, bridges, traction distribution equipment, signalling systems, and geotechnical parameters.