After a wait of 17 years, Dhar district, which has a tribal majority, is set to receive its first-ever train service.
The Indian Railways aims to start trains on the Indore–Dahod route by March 2026, marking a major milestone for the region. The 204.76 km new broad-gauge rail line, which began in 2008, is now nearing completion. However, due to the current pace of construction, officials suggest the project may take an additional six months. Currently, 32.30 km of the line, from Indore to Tihi (21 km) and Dahod to Katwara (11.30 km), is already operational.
The new line will offer a direct route between Vadodara and Indore, cutting travel time significantly as trains no longer need to pass through Ratlam. The project, costing approx. Rs 1,873 crore, is progressing, with tunnel work expected to complete by February 2026.