RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) has received a Letter of Acceptance from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, for the comprehensive maintenance contract of the dedicated high-speed test track between Gudha and Thathana Mithri stations in the Jodhpur division of North Western Railway (NWR). The facility was developed at a cost of Rs 9.67 billion (bn) and is located in the Nawa region of Jodhpur division, about 70 km from Jaipur. The project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of NWR and is intended to support extensive testing of rolling stock. The maintenance scope will cover track infrastructure, signalling interfaces and related civil works to ensure the facility meets testing standards.

The contract is to be executed over a period of 60 months from the date of issuance of the Letter of Acceptance. The contract value stands at Rs 1.06 bn, excluding GST. RITES will be responsible for comprehensive maintenance activities across the length of the track during the contract period.

Developed by RDSO, the 64-km-long dedicated test track is designed for comprehensive testing and will support a maximum speed of 220 kmph. The alignment includes seven major bridges, 129 smaller bridges, and four stations at Gudha, Jabdinagar, Nawan and Mithadi. The entire project is targeted for completion by March 2026. The corridor will facilitate serial testing of new rolling stock and validation of safety systems under simulated operational conditions.

Separately, the Ministry of Railways has revised the stoppage pattern of the Udaipur City–Asarva Vande Bharat Express to provide a temporary halt at Shamlaji Road Station on an experimental basis for the convenience of passengers. The semi-high-speed service was introduced last month and the halt has been provided until further orders. Rail officials indicated the change aims to improve passenger accessibility in the region and gather operational feedback periodically.