Indian Railways’ first high-speed test track to be ready by March 2026; trains to be tested at 220 kmph speed

High Speed test track in India: Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track for trains is expected to be completed by the end of the financial year 2025–26.

The project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of North Western Railway (NWR). (Image generated using AI/Gemini)

Indian Railways, High Speed test track in India: Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track for trains is expected to be completed by the end of the financial year 2025–26. Being developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at a cost of Rs 967 crore, the facility is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, about 70 km from Jaipur. The project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of North Western Railway (NWR).

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High speed railway testing track in India

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway (NWR), confirmed the development. He said the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will carry out comprehensive testing of rolling stock on the dedicated high-speed test track. Kiran added that of the total 64 km project length, around 58 km has already been completed, and the entire project is targeted for completion by March 2026.

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“Indian Railways is constructing the country’s first RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) dedicated test track for comprehensive testing of rolling stock. This 64-kilometer track is being built between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Jodhpur division of North Western Railway at a cost of Rs 967 crore.

Currently, approximately 58 kilometers of the project have been completed. The entire project is targeted for completion by March 2026,” the CPRO told Indianexpress.com.

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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.

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Railway projects in Rajasthan

On Tuesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approved the doubling of the 25-km-long Umra–Debari railway section at an estimated cost of Rs 492 crore. The project is aimed at improving and strengthening rail connectivity to Udaipur, a major tourist destination in Rajasthan. Once completed, the doubling will enable faster train operations in and around Udaipur and enhance connectivity with key cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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