NATRAX Indore is set to receive a Rs 250 crore upgrade for electric vehicle testing facilities, allowing manufacturers to assess batteries, electric motors, e-axles and high-voltage systems in India instead of sending components to overseas laboratories. The modernisation at the testing centre in Pithampur is being implemented under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, with part of the new equipment expected to become operational in 2027.
The expanded facility will include specialised equipment for testing EV batteries, electric motors, e-axles, electromagnetic compatibility and interference, environmental conditions and high-voltage components. The infrastructure will be used to assess electric cars, buses, commercial vehicles and automotive components for performance, safety and regulatory compliance.
NATRAX director Manish Jaiswal told The Times of India that the upgraded infrastructure would help the centre diversify its service portfolio, attract new customers, improve 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.
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 become operational during 2027, while the remaining systems are targeted for commissioning by March 2028.
The upgrade will extend NATRAX’s capabilities beyond conventional vehicle testing. The facility is also expanding its work in advanced driver assistance systems, connected vehicle technologies and testing linked to future emission norms. This will allow vehicle and component manufacturers developing new-generation products to access a broader range of validation services within the country.
NATRAX is spread across nearly 3,000 acres and houses what is described as Asia’s largest automotive proving ground. Its existing infrastructure includes 14 specialised test tracks, including an 11.3-km high-speed track. Hundreds of organisations use the facility annually, while more than 200 vehicles undergo testing and assessment of critical components each month.
The new testing systems are intended to reduce the time and expenditure involved in sending specialised automotive components overseas. NATRAX said the facilities would serve domestic and international vehicle manufacturers, EV battery producers, component suppliers and technology startups.
The centre also expects the additional capabilities to support indigenous technology development by enabling manufacturers to test and validate components closer to their production and research facilities. Officials said the expansion could attract more automotive research and development projects, increase testing volumes and strengthen the automotive manufacturing ecosystem in central India. The remaining equipment is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2028.
