'Cost of auto-testing tracks project in MP raised to Rs 1k cr'

The cost of laying auto-testing tracks in adjoining Dhar district has swelled to over Rs 1,000 crore from the original estimate of Rs 600 crore, an official associated with the project said today.
The project, National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX), is being built under NATRiP (National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project) of Heavy Industries Ministry.
The work of laying the tracks in Pithampur industrial area, about 40 km from here, started in 2010 and was to be completed in 2012.
"A budgetary allocation of Rs 600 crore was made for NATRAX initially but its cost has gone up to over Rs 1,000 crore following escalation of cost and some additional works," NATRiP Additional Director and Site Head N Karuppaiah told PTI.

Vehicle dynamics and power training laboratories of NATRAX has become functional. Besides, general storage building and client workshops have been readied, he said.
"Fourteen tracks will be laid under the project of which 13 are being prepared on a war-footing. These 13 tracks will be prepared by December, hopefully," Karuppaiah said.
The project will house tracks to test vehicles against varying terrains and speed before they are launched in the market.