Indian Railways is set to achieve a major milestone with the development of its first High-Speed Test Track, expected to be completed by March 2026. The project, managed by the Research, Designs, and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under the North Western Railway (NWR), will be built between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Jodhpur division of Rajasthan. The initiative, estimated at around US$ 117 million (Rs. 967 crore), spans 64 km and is designed to accommodate train speeds of up to 220 kmph for rigorous testing.
Once operational, the track will strengthen Indian Railways’ capabilities in evaluating safety, stability, and performance parameters of next-generation locomotives. Located approximately 70 km from Jaipur, the facility will provide an advanced platform to test track dynamics, signaling systems, and maintenance procedures. It represents India’s commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technology in high-speed rail transport.
The new test track is expected to accelerate the development of a faster, safer, and more efficient rail network across the country. By enabling comprehensive evaluation of high-speed trains under realistic conditions, the project will help Indian Railways design and implement future rail services capable of operating at significantly higher speeds. Overall, this initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving travel experiences for millions of passengers nationwide.
