Western Railway: High-speed engine trials on Tihi-Dhar section
Western Railway conducts high-speed engine trials on the Tihi-Dhar section at 130 kmph as part of the Indore-Dahod rail project.
The Ratlam Division of Western Railway has officially commenced high-speed engine trials on the Tihi-Dhar section. This critical phase is part of the ongoing Indore-Dahod rail project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and speed in the region.
Testing Infrastructure at 130 Kmph
On November 2, 2026, electric engines were put to the test, reaching speeds of up to 130 kmph. These trials are designed to rigorously evaluate several key components of the new line, including:
- The structural integrity of the railway tracks.
- The efficiency of the newly installed electrification systems.
- The reliability of the signaling infrastructure.
The technical inspection window is set to run from October 30 through November 6, 2026. During this period, testing operations are being conducted daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM to ensure all systems meet safety standards.
Final Safety Clearances
Following the completion of these speed trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the Western Circle, Mumbai, is scheduled to conduct a mandatory final inspection on November 5 and 6, 2026. This inspection is the final procedural hurdle before the section is officially authorized for passenger train services.
The project has already achieved several significant milestones. Notably, on October 26, 2026, a tower wagon successfully traversed the 2.957-kilometer-long Tihi-Pithampur tunnel, confirming that the overhead electrical equipment and tracks are ready for high-speed operations.
Public Safety Advisory
With high-speed engines passing through the area, the railway administration has issued a stern advisory to local residents. Mukesh Kumar, Public Relations Officer for the Ratlam Division, has urged people living in villages along the route to maintain a safe distance from the tracks.
"High-speed testing can make the approach of the engine deceptive in terms of speed and distance," the administration warned. Residents are specifically requested to ensure that livestock and cattle are kept well away from the railway lines to prevent accidents during this testing phase.