In a landmark move symbolizing the modernization of Mumbai’s suburban railway network, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division has dismantled the last remaining British-era Direct Current (DC) underslung portal at Vidyavihar station on May 24. This century-old structure, one of the last vestiges of India’s early railway electrification, has now been replaced with a modern three-span overlap system, significantly enhancing the reliability and maintainability of the Overhead Equipment (OHE).
"The dismantled structure was part of a group of 22 similar portals that once lined the CSMT–Kalyan suburban main line. The removal of these portals began in 2012 as part of a long-term initiative to upgrade Mumbai’s rail infrastructure. With the successful completion of this final removal, Central Railway has reached a key milestone in its journey toward a more efficient, safe, and modern suburban rail system" said an official.
“These British-type DC underslung portals were engineering marvels of their time, and their removal marks both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in railway electrification,” official stated. “The work was completed with meticulous planning and dedicated efforts by the Mumbai Division’s Traction Distribution (TRD) team, ensuring minimal disruption to train operations.”
According to CR, underslung design, while iconic, had become outdated and posed challenges in terms of maintenance and operational efficiency. The newly installed three-span overlap system not only simplifies infrastructure but also supports future scalability and technological integration.
