Indore-Dhar Railway Line: 120 km/h Speed Trials Success!
The Indore-Dhar railway line completes successful safety trials with speeds up to 120 km/h. Regular services expected by late 2026.
The long-awaited Indore-Dhar railway line is finally on the verge of becoming operational. After a 16-year wait for commuters, the 47-kilometer section connecting Tihi to Dhar has successfully undergone critical safety inspections and high-speed trials.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the Western Circle, E. Srinivas, completed the final inspection and speed trials on November 5 and 6, 2026. During these rigorous tests, a special train achieved impressive speeds of up to 120 km/h on its return journey to Tihi, following an initial run at 110 km/h.
Critical Infrastructure Verified
The two-day inspection involved a comprehensive review of the vital infrastructure required for safe operations. The following components were thoroughly examined:
- The 3-kilometer Tihi tunnel.
- Track alignment and signaling systems.
- 25 kV electrification.
- Passenger facilities at the Dhar railway station.
Senior railway officials, including Chief Engineer (Construction) Dheeraj Kumar and Ratlam Divisional Railway Manager Ashwani Kumar, were present during the proceedings.
A Major Milestone for the Indore-Dahod Project
This 47-km segment is a crucial part of the much larger 204.76-kilometer Indore-Dahod railway project. This massive undertaking was originally sanctioned during the 2007-08 financial year and is set to revolutionize regional connectivity.
Following the successful trials, the CRS will submit a formal report to the Ministry of Railways. Regular passenger operations, likely featuring MEMU services, are expected to commence by late November or December 2026.
New Routes Expected Soon
With the line nearing completion, there is significant anticipation for new connectivity options. Indore Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani has proposed the introduction of new services, such as Dhar-Ujjain and Dhar-Bhopal connections, once official clearance is obtained.