India’s first high-speed rail test track set for March 2026 finish

Indian Railways is on course to commission its first dedicated high-speed test track by March 2026, marking a major step in the country’s push to indigenously test and certify next-generation trains.

Being developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) at a cost of ₹967 crore, the 64-km-long facility is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Division, around 70 km from Jaipur. The project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the North Western Railway (NWR).

Confirming the progress, Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of NWR was quoted as saying by Indianexpress.com that the test track will be used for comprehensive rolling stock trials, including high-speed performance, safety and stability checks. Of the total alignment, about 58 km has already been completed, with work on the remaining stretch progressing on schedule.

“The country’s first RDSO-dedicated test track is being built for end-to-end testing of rolling stock. The entire 64-km project is targeted for completion by March 2026,” Kiran said, adding that the infrastructure is being designed to support testing speeds of up to 220 kmph.

The facility is expected to significantly reduce dependence on live railway sections for trials, allowing Indian Railways to accelerate the development, validation and induction of faster trains in a controlled environment.

Meanwhile, the Centre has also cleared a key capacity upgrade in the state. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the doubling of the 25-km Umra–Debari section at an estimated cost of ₹492 crore, a move aimed at strengthening rail connectivity to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s busiest tourist hubs. Once completed, the project is expected to enable faster train operations and improve links with cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur.