India to get its first 60-km High Speed Rail Test Track operational by 2025

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): India is set to make a major leap in its railway infrastructure with the construction of the country’s first dedicated railway test track, located in Rajasthan. Expected to be completed by December 2025, the 60-kilometre track will serve as a state-of-the-art facility for testing high-speed rail technologies, including bullet trains, semi-high-speed, and metro trains. With an investment of ₹820 crore, the track will become a crucial testing ground for advanced rolling stock and rail infrastructure.

The track will be able to accommodate train speeds of up to 230 km/h, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of high-speed rail systems. Located near Sambhar Lake, about 80 km from Jaipur, the test track runs between Gudha and Thathana Mithdi in Deedwana District. Its strategic position ensures that the track will not interfere with regular passenger services, providing a dedicated space for conducting tests that were previously impossible without disrupting the existing rail network.

Key Features of India’s First High-Speed Test Track

The track, which is being overseen by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), will play a pivotal role in evaluating various parameters of train performance, particularly stability and safety under diverse conditions. Before any new train design—be it a coach, bogie, or engine—can be cleared for regular operations, it must undergo rigorous testing on this facility.

The test track has been specifically engineered to simulate real-world conditions for a range of testing requirements:

High-Speed and Semi-High-Speed Trials: The track will facilitate the testing of bullet trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h. Additionally, semi-high-speed and metro trains will also be tested to ensure they meet India’s growing transportation demands.

Curved Sections for Speed Testing: The layout of the track includes various curved sections designed for high-speed and low-speed tests. These curves are specifically tailored to evaluate how trains perform on sharp turns without compromising speed, ensuring that trains can handle challenging tracks at optimal speeds.

Safety and Durability Assessments: Safety is a critical priority for Indian Railways. The test track will assess vital safety parameters such as accident resistance, rolling stock stability, and track material quality. The track’s design includes advanced features to simulate and evaluate the durability of trains and infrastructure under high-speed vibrations, ensuring that all components can withstand the rigorous demands of modern rail travel.

Track Sections for Various Testing Conditions: The test facility will also feature several specialized sections. These include:

• A 13 km high-speed loop at Gudha.
• A 3 km quick-testing loop at Nawa.
• A 20 km curve-testing loop at Meethadi.
• A 7 km twisting track section designed to evaluate how trains respond to damaged or deteriorating tracks, helping enhance safety protocols for varying rail conditions.

Engineering Excellence for High-Speed Testing

The project incorporates cutting-edge engineering techniques to ensure the track’s ability to handle the intense demands of modern high-speed trains. The track’s infrastructure includes reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and steel bridges, which are built to withstand the high-speed vibrations generated by fast-moving trains. Additionally, stainless steel components are used to combat the corrosive effects of the alkaline environment around Sambhar Lake, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the test track.

The facility will feature seven large bridges and 129 small bridges, which are crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of the track over varied terrain. It will also have four stations – Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawan, and Mithadi – to support the testing and operational requirements.

A Boost for Domestic and International Railway Testing

Once operational, the test track will serve as a vital resource for Indian Railways, enabling the domestic testing of all train models. This will eliminate the need for sending trains abroad for trials, significantly reducing the time and costs involved in the testing process.

Moreover, the test track will be available for use by neighboring countries, positioning India as a regional leader in railway infrastructure expertise. By offering its state-of-the-art testing facilities to other nations, India will further solidify its standing as a hub for high-speed rail development and research.

Significance for India’s High-Speed Rail Ambitions

India’s railway sector has long been a key focus for modernization, with the government aiming to introduce high-speed rail networks across the country. The dedicated test track is a crucial step towards achieving this vision. It will provide invaluable data and insights into the performance of high-speed trains, contributing to the successful rollout of India’s ambitious bullet train projects.

This test track also aligns with the broader goals of the National Rail Plan, which envisions the creation of a robust and modern rail infrastructure that can support the country’s growing population and urbanization. By establishing a dedicated facility for high-speed and advanced rail testing, India is positioning itself to become a global leader in railway technology.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Modern Rail Networks

The completion of India’s first dedicated railway test track represents a major leap forward in the nation’s railway modernization efforts. With the test track set to become operational by December 2025, it will pave the way for faster, safer, and more efficient rail systems across the country. As India continues to expand its high-speed rail network, this facility will play an essential role in shaping the future of transportation in India and beyond.

By allowing for extensive, uninterrupted testing, the track will ensure that India’s railway system can meet the demands of the 21st century, delivering world-class train services that can rival the best in the world.