India’s first high-speed rail trial track hits roadblock at Sambhar Lake

Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur

Jaipur, Jul 23: India’s first high-speed railway trial track, a flagship project of Indian Railways on the Jaipur-Jodhpur route, is facing indefinite delays due to pending environmental clearances for a crucial 2.5 km stretch through Sambhar Lake.

Despite 80% of the 64-km track being completed since work began in 2020, the remaining section—cutting through the internationally recognised Ramsar site—has hit a bureaucratic impasse. Without clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the project’s timeline and costs have spiralled, casting doubts over its planned December launch.

The high-speed track, which begins at Gudha near Nawal and extends to Meethri, is designed to support train trials at speeds of up to 200 km/h. However, repeated proposals to state and central agencies over three years have failed to secure approval for construction across the Sambhar wetland. The State Wetland Authority cites environmental restrictions, stressing Sambhar’s ecological importance.

Railway officials, however, counter that existing tracks already traverse the lake, including those used for salt transport and the main Jaipur-Jodhpur line. “Obstructing a short 2.5 km segment seems irrational when the ecosystem is already intersected by rail infrastructure,” said a senior railway official.

Experts from the environmental and technical domains argue that the project holds national significance. “This track will enable the testing of new engines and coaches without disrupting regular traffic. It could revolutionise railway development in India,” said a senior railway engineer.

Similar high-speed trial tracks operate seamlessly in China, the US, and Australia. In contrast, India’s reliance on shared tracks hampers efficient testing and innovation. The new track was envisioned as a permanent solution to facilitate trials for future bullet train models and other advanced railway equipment.

With pressure mounting, Indian Railways is preparing another appeal to the Rajasthan government, hoping to resolve the deadlock and prevent wastage of public funds and resources.

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