Indore-Dahod Rail Project: Tihi Tunnel Track Laying Complete
The construction of the Indore-Dahod rail project has reached a massive milestone. Railway authorities have officially completed the track laying process within the three-kilometer-long Tihi Tunnel, marking a significant step forward for the new line.
With the tracks now in place, the focus is shifting toward a comprehensive safety audit. The 46-47 kilometer section, which spans from Tihi to Dhar, is nearing completion, with officials aiming to finalize the entire project by the end of October 2026.
Safety Inspections and CRS Review
To ensure the line is ready for public use, the Railway administration has proposed a formal inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on October 28 and 29, 2026. This mandatory safety clearance is a prerequisite for launching any passenger or express train services on the route.
Preparations for this review are already underway. A recent six-hour trolley inspection was successfully conducted on the Dhar-Pithampur rail section. This critical assessment was led by Western Railway Ratlam Division's Chief Engineer (Planning) Vikas Kumar and Chief Engineer (Construction) Dheeraj Kumar.
High-Tech Safety Infrastructure
The Tihi-Pithampur tunnel, which measures 2.976 kilometers, has been built with state-of-the-art safety technology to protect passengers.
The tunnel incorporates modern safety infrastructure, including 140 CCTV cameras, a sophisticated ventilation system, escape shafts, and emergency SOS boxes, all of which are monitored directly from Pithampur station.
A Historic Milestone for Dhar and Regional Connectivity
The completion of this project will bring transformative changes to the regional transport network. Once operations commence, the route will introduce four new railway stations to the Madhya Pradesh network: Dhar, Pithampur, Sagour, and Gunawad.
This development is particularly historic for Dhar, as the city will receive direct rail connectivity for the first time since India's independence. Beyond local benefits, the project is strategically designed to enhance connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, specifically focusing on linking vital industrial hubs and tribal regions.
Once the CRS grants the necessary clearances, the Railway Board will announce the official schedule for the inauguration of passenger train services.