130 Kmph Speed Trials Start on Tihi-Dhar Rail Section
Western Railway starts 130 kmph speed trials on the Tihi-Pithampur-Dhar section. High-speed testing is underway for the new Indore-Dahod line.
The Western Railway's Ratlam Division has officially commenced the Tihi-Dhar speed trials on the Tihi-Pithampur-Dhar section of the new Indore-Dahod railway line. Starting October 30, 2026, these high-speed tests are a critical step toward operationalizing this vital new corridor.
Testing High-Speed Infrastructure
The testing phase is designed to rigorously assess track conditions and the performance of railway infrastructure at elevated speeds. For the next eight days, concluding on November 6, 2026, trains will undergo trials daily between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.
During these sessions, locomotives are expected to reach speeds of up to 130 kmph. This process ensures that the civil construction, electrification, and signaling systems are fully capable of handling high-speed traffic safely.
Upcoming CRS Inspection
Following the completion of these trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Western Circle, Mumbai, is scheduled to conduct a formal inspection of the section. This crucial safety audit is slated for November 5 and 6, 2026.
The current trials follow a successful preliminary test run conducted on October 26, 2026. During that run, a tower wagon was used to inspect the 2.957-km Tihi tunnel, checking both the track and the overhead equipment. The inspection was overseen by Chief Engineer Dheeraj Kumar and Deputy Chief Engineer Ankur Singh.
Safety Advisory for Local Residents
With high-speed trains running through the area, the Ratlam Division's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mukesh Kumar, has issued a strict safety advisory for residents of nearby villages.
Residents are urged to remain clear of the railway tracks throughout the testing period. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that cattle are kept away from the lines to prevent accidents.
Officials have also provided a specific warning regarding visual perception: at 130 kmph, trains may appear to be moving slower than they actually are when viewed from a distance. Residents are cautioned not to judge the speed of an approaching train by its appearance alone.