Indore: The Indore-Dahod rail line project has gained momentum. Earthwork has been completed from Tihi to Gunavad, while progress continues between Gunavad and Dhar. This segment of the project, initially scheduled for completion by the Ratlam division by March 2025, is now expected to be operational by May 2025 due to delays in constructing a railway overbridge (ROB) in this section.

It is worth noting that this project got the green light in 2008, and work began in 2013. Currently, various parts of this 205 km-long project are under development. The Indore-Dahod rail line is divided into sections: Indore-Rihi (29 km), Rihi-Gunavad (28 km), Gunavad-Naugaon (14 km), Dhar-Amjhera (20 km), Amjhera-Sardarpur (20 km), and Sardarpur-Jhabua (60 km). Tracks have been laid in approximately 60% of the area, and work on the Indore-Tihi and Dahod-Katwara sections has been completed. The railway is currently focusing on the Tihi-Gunavad-Naugaon (Dhar) section, where nine ROBs are planned. Tunnel work near Tihi is nearly complete, and earthwork from Tihi to Gunavad is finished. Tracks have also been laid in about 60% of the area.

Work on Gunavad railway station, the yard, and related infrastructure has commenced. Simultaneously, earthwork between Gunavad and Naugaon is nearly complete. The Ratlam division initially set a target to begin train operations between Indore and Naugaon by March 2025, but technical difficulties have delayed this to May 2025. Additionally, track-laying work is ongoing between Katwara and Jhabua near Dahod.

A significant portion of this project aims to connect tribal areas with rail services, making it crucial for the railways and the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Consequently, the project is being implemented in phases. Construction of new railway station buildings and platforms has begun in Sagaur, Gunavad, Naugaon, Jhabua, and Pitol. The entire project is targeted for completion by 2026. DeshGujarat