India's First High-Speed Rail Test Track Being Built in Rajasthan

11 Mar 2025 CW Team

India’s first high-speed railway test track, under construction on the Jaipur-Jodhpur rail route, is set for completion by December this year. Spanning 64 kilometre, the track is designed for testing high-speed trains, regular passenger trains, and freight wagons. Its design incorporates features from railway tracks in the USA, Australia, and Japan.

The track is being built near Sambhar, between Gudha, Thathana, and Meethdi, to meet the technical requirements of Indian Railways. With an estimated cost of Rs 9.67 billion, it will facilitate train speeds of up to 220 km per hour. The project, structured into four phases, is nearing completion, with most of the work already finished.

Phase One involved laying 19.8 km of track, followed by 15 km in Phase Two, 2.7 km in Phase Three, and 26.06 km in Phase Four. The remaining 2.5 km of track in the Sambhar Lake section is expected to be completed soon. Additionally, work on elevating four large bridges and 43 culverts is almost finalised.

The high-speed test track is expected to streamline train testing without disrupting main railway lines. This will ensure that passenger train operations remain unaffected while enabling more efficient high-speed trials. The location was strategically chosen due to its sparse population and the presence of an existing metre gauge line, which reduced the need for extensive land acquisition. The project also includes the development of modern laboratories, residential quarters, and workshops to support railway testing and operations.

News source: Patrika

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..