NATRAX Testing Facility: All You Need To Know

Building a testing facility can be an arduous process. One needs to have the space, proper investment, and proper facilities in order to develop a successful testing site. India has now got her hands on a new testing facility located in the Dhar district just out of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The name of the testing facility is NATRAX, and it's spread over 2960 acres with various testing facilities. Let us take a look at some of the best features of this testing facility.

The track

The track is about 11.3km long, with a width of a four-lane road that is totally flat; it is a high-speed track. The design speed of this track is about 375kph! Realistically, one could go up to 250kph without any hands on the wheel. The track has been made by specialists from Spain. The track drainage is excellent even after heavy downpours.

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A dynamic platform

There is a 300m skidpad with a 1.5 km lead which can accommodate multiple handling tests. There is no longitudinal slope on the track, making it very safe and perfect for testing.

Handling track

One of the most impressive features of NATRAX is the 3.6km handling track which is the only one present in India! There are several sharp turns, curves, and bends that test every aspect of car handling to its fullest.

Fatigue track

The fatigue track is laden with several potholes that “mimic” real-life road conditions. These are used to enhance the durability test of the vehicles. The track tests the structure of the car to its core.

Sustainability track

There is a short hill-type road that tests the car's performance in conditions like halting on a hill and hill descent along with the engine's cooling capabilities and durability of the clutch.

Comfort track

There are various surfaces – rough and smooth concrete, steps, bridge joints, washboards, rough asphalt, and cleats that are helpful in tuning the suspension of the car and improving the comfort levels for the passengers.

Gradient Track

These tracks test several aspects of the vehicle's performance. These tracks test the pulling power and torque of the vehicle. These tracks can also be used to test the traction on a slope and how well these vehicles can take off from rest on a slope. There are several patches that mimic wet road conditions. The Hill Hold function can also be tested by vehicle manufacturers on this track.

Other tracks/accessories

Apart from the tracks that have been talked about above, there are a few other tracks in this incredible testing facility. NATRAX has a specialised braking track, a wet skidpad, handling tracks specialized for two and three-wheelers, along with a noise track!