Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Ranjan Sharma
Indian Railways’ First High-Speed Test Track to Be Ready by March 2026
Indian Railways is set to achieve a major milestone in rail innovation with the development of its first dedicated high-speed test track, scheduled for completion by the end of the 2025–26 financial year.
The project, being executed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at an estimated cost of ₹967 crore, is coming up between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, approximately 70 km from Jaipur. Designed to support high-speed train trials, safety validation, and advanced rail technology testing, the facility will function under the administrative control of North Western Railway (NWR), strengthening India’s rail testing and modernisation capabilities.
High-Speed Railway Testing Track to Boost India’s Rail Innovation
Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway (NWR), affirmed the progress of the project. He stated that the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will undertake extensive testing of rolling stock on the newly built dedicated high-speed test track. Kiran further noted that approximately 58 km of the total 64 km stretch has already been completed, and the entire project is scheduled to be finished by March 2026.
Indian Railways is developing India’s first dedicated high-speed test track under the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to conduct comprehensive trials of rolling stock. The 64-kilometer facility is being constructed between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Jodhpur Division of North Western Railway at an estimated cost of ₹967 crore, aiming to strengthen the country’s capabilities in rail technology testing and modernisation.
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According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), around 58 kilometers of the 64-kilometer high-speed test track have already been completed. The entire project is expected to be fully operational by March 2026, marking a significant step forward in India’s rail infrastructure development, the official told Indianexpress.com
High speed train testing track
Kiran further added that the dedicated high-speed test track is being developed to support a maximum speed of 220 kmph.
Rajasthan’s Key Railway Infrastructure Developments
On Tuesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approved the doubling of the 25-kilometer Umra–Debari railway section at an estimated cost of ₹492 crore. The initiative is intended to enhance rail connectivity to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s prominent tourist destinations. Upon completion, the project will allow faster train operations in and around Udaipur and improve links with major cities including Ahmedabad and Jaipur, strengthening the region’s overall rail network.