ARAI Sets Up Vehicle Testing Facility at NATRAX Indore 

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has inaugurated a new vehicle evaluation and testing office at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to improve access to homologation, certification, and advanced vehicle dynamics testing for automotive manufacturers operating in Central India.

The new workplace was inaugurated by ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai, in the presence of senior ARAI officials and industry representatives. The facility is expected to serve vehicle manufacturers, system suppliers, and tyre makers by offering on-site testing support, including for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and vehicle dynamics.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mathai emphasized the growing demand for technical support as India’s automotive sector continues to adapt to new technologies. The Indore office is expected to strengthen ARAI’s collaboration with industry stakeholders and streamline certification and validation processes for manufacturers across the region.

This marks an expansion of ARAI’s national footprint. Based in Pune, ARAI is a leading R&D and certification body that supports the Indian automotive sector with testing, emissions research, and safety standards. 

The National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) is a premier automotive testing and certification center located near Pithampur, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, approximately 50 kilometers from Indore. Established under the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) by India's Ministry of Heavy Industries, NATRAX spans about 3,000 acres and features 14 state-of-the-art test tracks. Among these is an 11.3-kilometer high-speed track, one of the longest in Asia, designed for testing vehicles at speeds up to 375 km/h. The facility offers comprehensive services, including vehicle dynamics assessments, powertrain evaluations, and battery testing, supporting both domestic and international automotive manufacturers.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), headquartered in Pune, is a leading research, testing, certification, and homologation agency under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. Established in 1966, ARAI plays a vital role in ensuring automotive safety, emissions compliance, and fuel efficiency standards in India. It provides services to vehicle and component manufacturers through advanced testing labs, simulation tools, and technical consultancy. ARAI is also actively involved in formulating automotive regulations and offers training programs for skill development.