The dream of traveling by bullet train in India is soon to become a reality. The Indian Railways has been diligently preparing a specialized test track for the trial of the bullet train, ensuring that all necessary requirements are met. With the first phase expected to be completed by September, trials for the bullet train could commence at speeds of up to 230 km per hour.

Country’s First Bullet Train Trial Track

In the salt city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, preparations for the bullet train trial are in full swing. The country’s first bullet train trial track is almost ready, with about 70 percent of the work completed. This 60 km long railway track runs through Sambhar Lake, where the British had previously laid a line for the Jaipur-Jodhpur route. This line had been buried for 50 years, but with the help of satellite technology, it has been rediscovered and a new network has been created.

A Network of 60 km Long Railway Tracks

The track starts from Gudha, located about 93 km from Jaipur, and extends to Mithdi. It features a 60 km long railway track laid amidst the salt beds. Four stations have been built along this track: Gudha, Jabadi Nagar, Nawan, and Mithdi, with Nawan City being the main station. Rajasthan was chosen for this mega test due to the railway owning about 50 km of land in the Salt Lake area, thus saving time and reducing costs.

First Trial Expected in September

The first trial of the bullet train is anticipated to take place in September. According to railway officials, most of the work on the test track has been completed, and full preparations are underway to conduct the trial in one go. The Railway Minister is actively addressing the challenges associated with the bullet train project. Additionally, a survey has been conducted to explore the possibility of running bullet trains in Rajasthan in the future. This proposed route, running from Delhi to Ahmedabad, will include nine stations in Rajasthan, covering 657 km out of the total 875 km track, passing through districts like Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, and Dungarpur, benefiting tourists as well.

Five Types of Tests on the Track

Work on the bullet train is progressing rapidly, and the nation eagerly awaits its first bullet train. The following five types of tests will be conducted on the bullet train track:

• Bridge Tests: New technology has been used to make the bridges made of steel and RCC vibration-resistant. The response to high-speed train passage can be tested through these bridges.
• Curved Test Track: The 60 km long track includes many curved points to test how a speeding train will navigate these curves without reducing speed.
• Loop Lines and Curve Lines: A 3 km quick testing loop has been constructed at Nawan station, and a 20 km curve testing loop has been built at Mithdi.
• Twisted Track: A 7 km long damaged track has been laid to test the effects of track damage and the required speed for safety. Fitness is being checked by passing bogies and engines over it.
• Dedicated Test Track: This track will not only be used for bullet train trials but also for high-speed, semi-high-speed trains, and metro trains in the future.