NATRAX in Pithampur, Indore, is set to invest about Rs 250 crore in advanced EV testing infrastructure, allowing manufacturers to assess batteries, electric motors, e-axles and high-voltage systems in India instead of sending critical components to overseas laboratories. The expansion is being implemented under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, with most of the new equipment expected to become operational during 2027.
The upgraded facility will include specialised testing for EV batteries, electric motors, e-axles, electromagnetic compatibility and interference, environmental conditions and high-voltage components. The equipment will support testing of electric cars, buses, commercial vehicles and automotive components for performance, safety and regulatory compliance.
NATRAX director Dr Manish Jaiswal told the Times of India that the upgraded infrastructure would help the centre diversify its services, attract new customers, increase facility utilisation and generate additional revenue through testing and validation services. He said the investment would also support the expansion of EV manufacturing across the value chain in central India.
The testing capacity is expected to reduce the time and expenditure involved in sending components abroad for specialised assessments. It will be available to domestic and international vehicle manufacturers, EV battery producers, component suppliers and technology startups developing new mobility products.
NATRAX is spread across nearly 3,000 acres and is described as one of India’s premier automotive testing facilities. It houses Asia’s largest automotive proving ground, with 14 specialised test tracks, including an 11.3-km high-speed track. Hundreds of organisations use the facility each year, while more than 200 vehicles undergo testing and assessment of critical components every month, according to the report.
The expansion will take NATRAX beyond conventional vehicle testing. The centre is also developing capabilities for advanced driver assistance systems, connected vehicles and testing against future emission standards. These additions are intended to provide manufacturers developing new-generation vehicles with a broader set of testing and validation services within the country.
According to NATRAX, purchase orders have already been placed for all 27 contracts linked to the modernisation programme. Around 60% of the equipment is expected to be operational during 2027, while the remaining equipment is targeted for commissioning by March 2028.
The new facilities will allow manufacturers to test and validate components closer to their production and research locations. NATRAX officials said the programme is expected to attract more automotive research and development projects, increase testing volumes and strengthen the automotive manufacturing ecosystem in central India. The next milestones are the installation and commissioning of the equipment under the 27 contracts.
