In what may come as good news for the Indian automotive industry, the country has got its longest high-speed track for high-performance vehicle testing ranging from two-wheelers to heavy tractor-trailers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- NATRAX High Speed Track measures 11.3km in length
- It is claimed to be the fifth longest high speed test track in the world
- Global carmakers have shown interest in using this facility
The 11.3km long test track has been developed by NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks) across 1,000 acres. The proving ground, which is the fifth largest in the world, covers 2,900 acres.
The Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the NATRAX – High Speed Track (HST), which is said to be the longest such track in Asia and the fifth largest globally.
Speaking at the e-inauguration Prakash Javadekar stated that India is destined to become a hub of automobiles, manufacturing, and spare parts. The country is fast moving towards an ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and all round efforts are being made in this direction.
NATRAX High Speed Track: details
The NATRAX centre has multiple test capabilities like measurements of maximum speed, acceleration, constant speed fuel consumption, emission tests through real road driving simulation, high-speed handling and stability evaluation during manoeuvre such as lane change and high-speed durability testing among others and is a centre of excellence for vehicle dynamics.
Vehicles can attain a maximum speed of 375kph on curves with steering control and the track has less banking on ovals, making it one of the safest test tracks globally.
The government says HST can be used for measuring the maximum speed capability of premium luxury cars which were not being measured on any of the Indian test tracks. Being centrally located in Madhya Pradesh, HST is accessible to most of the major OEMs.
Who will use the NATRAX High Speed Track?
The ministry says at present, foreign OEMs go to high-speed tracks abroad for high-speed test requirements and now will benefit from NATRAX HST for the development of prototype cars for Indian conditions. Carmakers can also use the facility for product demonstrations and experiences.
It is understood that global OEMs like Volkswagen, FCA, Peugeot, Renault and Lamborghini have evinced interest in using the Pithampur test track facility.
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