The National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Indore, which is part of the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP), has built what is Asia’s longest and the world’s fifth longest high speed track (HST) for vehicle testing.
The track was e-inaugurated by Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in the presence of Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
The 11.3 km-long HST is used for measuring the maximum speed capability of high-end cars from manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Tesla and so forth, which cannot be measured on any of the other Indian test tracks.
A release by the ministry said all major global OEMs, who currently go abroad for high speed test requirements, will now be able to “looking at NATRAX HST for the development of prototype cars for Indian conditions”.
The NATRAX HST can undertake all sorts of high speed performance tests. Vehicles can achieve maximum speed of 375 kmph on curves with steering control, said the release. Moreover, having less banking on ovals makes the track one of the safest test tracks globally. It is suitable for testing of all kinds of vehicles – two-wheelers to the heaviest tractor trailers.
Developed in an area of 1000 acres of land, the NATRAX centre has multiple test capabilities, including measurements of maximum speed, acceleration, constant speed fuel consumption, emission tests through real road driving simulation, high speed handling and stability evaluation during manoeuvres such as lane change, high speed durability testing, etc. It is a Centre of Excellence for vehicle dynamics.
At the inauguration, Javadekar stated that India is destined to become a hub of automobiles, manufacturing, and spare parts. The Minister said his ministry is committed to fulfil Prime Minister’s dream of ensuring that India becomes a hub of auto manufacturing. The Minister further said that projects in railways, highways and waterways which were languishing for years are today getting completed because of the strong political will.
Minister Meghwal, meanwhile, said the government is promoting manufacturing and automobile industry as it will help empowering the nation at a larger scale.