Indore – Dahod Rail Project: 2.9-km Tunnel Lining Completed, Ballastless Track Work Advances

Dahod: Construction of the tunnel as part of the Indore–Dahod new railway line project under the Ratlam Division of Western Railway is progressing steadily, with key milestones achieved as work advances on schedule.

According to Mukesh Kumar, Public Relations Officer of the Ratlam Division, tunnel lining, the most critical phase after excavation, has been completed along the entire 2,957-metre-long tunnel. The lining provides structural stability, strength, and long-term safety to the tunnel.

With the lining work complete, construction of the ballastless track inside the tunnel is moving ahead at a rapid pace. As of August 3, around 1,216 metres of ballastless track had been laid. In addition, the final PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) layer had been completed over 1,470 metres, while the first PCC layer had been laid across 2,007 metres. Work is currently underway on another 810 metres of ballastless track and 740 metres of PCC.

Western Railway is also developing the tunnel’s drainage infrastructure alongside the track work. Most of the side drains, invert drains, and other structural works have already been completed. Reinforcement and lining work in the tunnel’s additional cut-and-cover section has also been finished.

Railway officials said the construction department is using modern machinery and available resources to complete the remaining drainage, filling, and other civil engineering works within the stipulated timeframe.

Safety infrastructure is also being incorporated into the tunnel. Refuge niches, rescue shafts, and ventilation ducts are being built to facilitate emergency evacuation and rescue operations. Installation of exhaust fans is also in progress to ensure proper ventilation and prevent the buildup of stale air inside the tunnel.

Once completed, the Indore–Dahod railway line is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The project is expected to reduce travel time, strengthen passenger and freight movement, and provide a boost to industrial, commercial, and economic activity in the region.