Narax Test Track (NATRAX): Highlights of India’s Largest Automotive Proving Ground
India’s automotive sector is expanding rapidly, and with it comes the need for world-class testing facilities that can match international standards. Narax Test Track, officially known as NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks), is one such landmark project. Located near Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, around 50 km from Indore, NATRAX is India’s largest and most advanced vehicle testing and proving ground. Spread across nearly 3,000 acres, it has become a symbol of India’s growing technological prowess in the global automotive industry.
Location and Infrastructure
Strategically located along NH-52, NATRAX provides excellent connectivity to major industrial hubs, making it easily accessible for automotive OEMs and component manufacturers. The sheer scale of the facility—one of the largest in Asia—offers manufacturers everything they need under one roof, from high-speed tracks to specialised testing environments.
World-Class Testing Tracks
The crown jewel of NATRAX is its 11.3 km high-speed track, which is the longest in Asia and the fifth-largest in the world. The track is 16 metres wide and designed with parabolic banking, allowing vehicles to reach neutral speeds of up to 250 km/h while handling curves at speeds of up to 375 km/h.
But that’s not all—NATRAX comprises 16 dedicated test tracks, each designed for specific evaluations:
- High-Speed Track for acceleration, stability, and top-speed runs.
- Dynamic Platform with a 300-metre diameter, ideal for advanced vehicle dynamics tests.
- Multi-Friction Braking Track to test braking systems across diverse surfaces.
- Gradient and Hill Tracks to evaluate traction, power, and performance on inclines.
These tracks together make NATRAX a world-class destination for holistic automotive testing.
Specialised Testing Facilities
Beyond speed and handling, NATRAX includes a range of tracks to simulate real-world driving conditions:
- Fatigue and Comfort Tracks for durability and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) analysis.
- Off-Road and Gravel Tracks for SUVs, trucks, and rugged commercial vehicles.
- Handling Tracks for steering precision, cornering stability, and swerving simulations.
- Wet Skid Pad to test vehicle stability in slippery conditions.
- Noise Tracks to measure tyre and pass-by noise as per global standards.
Together, these facilities make NATRAX versatile enough to support everything from luxury cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Homologation, R&D, and Innovation
NATRAX is not limited to physical testing. It also provides complete homologation and certification services, ensuring vehicles meet the requirements of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) and international regulations.
Key services include:
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) testing.
- EV and hybrid vehicle validation, including battery and powertrain assessments.
- Crash barrier and bus body evaluations for safety compliance.
- Emission and regulatory tests critical for market approvals.
This makes NATRAX a single-window solution for manufacturers aiming to launch vehicles in both domestic and global markets.
Events, Records, and Industry Impact
Since its launch, NATRAX has attracted global automotive giants like Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, and Lamborghini for vehicle testing. It has also hosted auto shows, industry events, and high-speed runs, including record-setting performances such as the Mercedes-AMG GT R clocking 0-300 km/h on the track.
With its facilities, NATRAX is helping India establish itself as a global hub for automotive R&D and performance benchmarking.
Conclusion
The Narax Test Track (NATRAX) is more than just a proving ground—it is a symbol of India’s ambitions in the global automotive landscape. With its unmatched infrastructure, specialised tracks, and advanced R&D capabilities, NATRAX ensures that vehicles are tested for safety, durability, performance, and compliance. For manufacturers, it’s the ultimate destination to validate vehicles for both Indian roads and international markets.