India launches Asia’s longest High Speed Track for automobiles

Source: PIB

 What is the News?

The Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has inaugurated NATRAX- the High Speed Track(HST) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

What is High Speed Track(HST)?

• A High-Speed Track (HST) is used for measuring the maximum speed capability of high-end cars like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Tesla.
• At present, foreign OEMs go to their respective high-speed track abroad for high-speed test requirements.

About NATRAX-the High-Speed Track(HST):

• The National Automotive Test Tracks(NATRAX) is an 11.3 kms long High-Speed Track (HST) facility.
• Purpose: The facility is a one-stop solution for all sorts of high-speed performance tests for the widest categories of vehicles, from 2 wheelers to heavy tractor-trailers.
• Features:
  • The track has been designed for neutral speeds up to 250 kmph and a maximum speed of up to 375 kmph on curves. There is no limit to maximum speed on the straight patch.
  • The zero-percent longitudinal slope makes this track an open-air test laboratory for precise measurement of the performance of vehicles.
  • Moreover, the track is open to having vehicles from overseas being evaluated here as part of the testing process.
• Significance: The track is the longest in Asia and fifth-largest in the world.