In a significant milestone for Mumbai’s suburban railway modernisation, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division has dismantled the last remaining British-era Direct Current (DC) underslung portal at Vidyavihar station on 24th May. This century-old structure, a relic of India’s early railway electrification, has been replaced with a modern three-span overlap system, aimed at improving the reliability and maintainability of the Overhead Equipment (OHE).
The dismantled portal was part of a series of 22 similar structures that once lined the CSMT–Kalyan suburban main line. The phased removal of these portals began in 2012 as part of Central Railway’s long-term infrastructure upgrade plan. With the final structure now removed, a key chapter has closed in Mumbai’s rail history, signalling a leap forward towards a safer, more efficient suburban network.
“These British-type DC underslung portals were engineering marvels of their time,” a Central Railway official stated. “Their removal not only signifies the end of an era but also the beginning of a new phase in railway electrification. The entire operation was carried out with meticulous planning by the Mumbai Division’s Traction Distribution (TRD) team, ensuring minimal disruption to train services.”
The iconic underslung design, while historically significant, had become obsolete, presenting challenges in maintenance and operational efficiency. The newly installed three-span overlap system not only streamlines the existing infrastructure but also enhances scalability and compatibility with future technologies.
This development underscores Central Railway’s commitment to preserving safety while embracing innovation. As the city’s lifeline evolves, this transformation marks yet another stride towards a modern, resilient, and commuter-friendly suburban railway system.
Source: The Free Press Journal
