No road to Dhar goods platform, so it cannot be used even when trains start in December

Platform No. 3 at Dhar railway station, known as the goods platform, has been built under the Indore-Dahod rail project for unloading and loading goods from freight trains. But it will not be usable even after rail services begin in December.

The main reason is that no road has been built to reach the platform. The route for heavy vehicles and trucks has not been prepared so far. It is also unclear what the plan is for building this road.

The gap came to light during a recent inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. In a rail project worth crores of rupees, the platform has been built but the basic arrangements needed to operate it have not been made.

Until a road is built to it, no freight-related work can begin. This could directly affect the railway as well as traders in the area. The hope that freight trains would carry industrial and commercial goods does not appear likely to be fulfilled for now.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has already inspected and speed-tested the new broad gauge line on the Tihi-Dhar section of the new Indore-Dahod line, in Western Railway's Ratlam division, and the test was successful. The inspection of this section, about 47 km long, is being seen as an important milestone for the project. Trains can run on the section once the Commissioner's approval is received.

According to a press release issued by Mukesh Kumar, public relations officer of the Ratlam division, the start of the Tihi-Dhar section will strengthen rail connectivity for Indore, Pithampur and Dhar. The Pithampur industrial area is expected to benefit in particular. It is home to many industries linked to automobiles, auto components, commercial vehicle manufacturing, engineering, tyres, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and plastics. Better rail links could give these industries better freight facilities. However, with no road to the goods platform at Dhar, it will be difficult to get this benefit for now. Passengers are also expected to get better travel facilities.

The rail line will make it easier to reach historical, religious and tourist sites in and around Dhar. This could boost tourism as well as local trade, employment and the area's economy. The project is also important for the economic and social development of the Malwa region and the surrounding tribal areas.

However, as preparations for starting passenger services go on, the lack of a road to the goods platform is raising questions about the railway's planning and coordination.