CR dismantles last remaining British-era DC underslung portal at Vidyavihar

In a major step towards modernising Mumbai’s railway system, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division on Sunday said that it has successfully dismantled the last remaining British-era DC underslung portal at Vidyavihar station.

The 100-year-old structure has been replaced with a modern three-span overlap system, which will help improve the reliability and maintenance of overhead railway equipment, the Central Railway said.

The dismantling of the Century-old railway DC underslung portal, a large metal framework supporting the overhead electric wires used to power trains, was removed on May 24.

The portals were called `underslung` because the wires were suspended below the main structure, a design typical of early Direct Current (DC) railway electrification introduced during British-era. These portals were once an important part of Mumbai’s suburban railway system, but over time, they became outdated.

Its removal is part of an ongoing effort to replace old infrastructure with modern and more efficient systems.

"This 100-year-old portal has been replaced by a modern three-span overlap system, thereby enhancing the reliability and maintainability of the Overhead Equipment (OHE)," officials said.

The project to remove these old portals began in 2012, and with this final dismantling, all 22 such portals along the CSMT–Kalyan suburban main line have now been successfully removed as part of the modernisation of the railways in Mumbai, a Central Railway statement said.

The work was completed with meticulous planning and dedicated efforts by the Mumbai Division’s TRD team, ensuring minimal disruption to train operations, they said, adding that the old three-track Direct Current portal, built during British rule, was a part of India’s early railway electrification. Its removal marks the end of an era and the beginning of a more advanced railway network.

The work to replace all such portals began in 2012. With this final structure now dismantled, a total of 22 British-type DC portals between CSMT and Kalyan have been successfully taken down, the official statement said.

Central Railway officials said the Mumbai Division’s TRD (Traction Distribution) team carried out the work with careful planning to ensure there was no major disruption to train services. The achievement shows Central Railway’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and modern infrastructure.