RITES Secures LoA For Indian Railways First High-Speed Test Track

26 Mar 2026 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..