MRVC Introduces GIS Technology At Dahisar And Vasai TSS To Boost Power Supply On Mumbai’s Suburban Rail Network

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has initiated the deployment of cutting-edge Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) technology at the Dahisar and Vasai Road Traction Sub-Stations (TSS). This marks the first use of GIS in the Western Railway’s suburban section and is aimed at strengthening the power supply for both suburban and long-distance trains along the heavily congested Borivali–Virar corridor.

According to an official, GIS systems are compact, reliable, and low-maintenance alternatives to traditional switchgear. Recognizing Mumbai’s acute space constraints, MRVC has chosen this high-voltage indoor system, which uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas for insulation and incorporates advanced safety features. The 220/132 kV and 25 kV GIS units are engineered to ensure efficient and secure distribution of traction power in a dense urban environment.

“This is a transformative step for the Mumbai suburban rail network,” said an MRVC official. “The new power systems will enhance operational efficiency.”

The power infrastructure upgrade is part of the broader 5th and 6th rail line expansion project between Borivali and Virar, under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP–IIIA). This 27-kilometre stretch is among Mumbai’s busiest, serving millions of daily commuters. The new lines aim to separate suburban and long-distance rail traffic to improve punctuality, safety, and capacity.

“Recognizing the severe space constraints in the Mumbai suburban area, MRVC is introducing Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) technology at Dahisar and Vasai Road TSS—a first for Western Railway. This state-of-the-art GIS system offers a compact design, superior reliability, and maintenance-free operation, making it ideal for urban rail environments,” said Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer of MRVC.

“This initiative addresses both current and future demands. It ensures uninterrupted power for the ever-growing number of trains, supporting smoother and more reliable services.”

The upgrade includes the commissioning of state-of-the-art Traction Sub-Stations at Dahisar and Vasai Road, as well as the installation of Switching Posts (SPs) and Sub-Sectioning and Paralleling Posts (SSPs) at key suburban locations such as Borivali, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Naigaon, and Nalasopara.

Awarded as a design-and-build contract, the infrastructure package involves a 1x25 kV, 100/110/25 kV traction power system supported by 40/56 MVA high-capacity traction transformers. Extensive civil and electrical integration work is ongoing to align the new systems with the existing network.

“GIS is ideally suited for dense urban areas like Mumbai. Its compact footprint allows for high-voltage operations even in space-constrained locations, which is critical for our substation needs,” added a senior MRVC official.