Western Railway Upgrades Legacy Bridge with Modern PSC Structure to Enhance Safety and Durability
· Free Press Journal
Western Railway undertook a major infrastructure upgrade through the re-girdering of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations, reinforcing its commitment to a safer and more resilient suburban network. This 129-year-old bridge, dating back to 1897 Victorian era, was systematically dismantled and replaced with a modern, high-strength structure designed to meet present-day operational and safety standards.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, the work was carried out during a planned Mega block from 22:30 hrs on 28th March 2026 to 19:30 hrs on 29th March 2026, with additional work on the DOWN fast line between 01:00 hrs and 04:30 hrs on 29th March 2026. In this tightly coordinated timeline, Western Railway was successfully able to execute the complex engineering operation within a limited window, minimizing long-term disruption while ensuring precision.
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Vineet further stated that the process involved the careful removal of four spans of old steel girders and the installation of 28 Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) slabs and 8 retainers were put in after delaunching 8 steel girders. PSC slabs offer significantly higher strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity compared to traditional steel girders. They are more resistant to corrosion, require lower maintenance, and provide improved structural stability, making them especially suitable for heavy suburban rail traffic and challenging weather conditions. Their use enhances overall safety while also enabling smoother and more efficient train operations.
The execution of this upgrade relied on advanced engineering techniques and state-of-the-art machinery, including heavy-duty cranes, Hydra machines, Poclain excavators, and JCB equipment. Activities such as track cutting, girder removal, lifting and placement of new structural components, and alignment were carried out with high precision. A dedicated workforce of over 200 personnel worked continuously, reflecting meticulous planning, coordination, and technical expertise.
As highlighted by Ajay Singh Rajput, Senior Divisional Engineer, this initiative formed a key part of Western Railway’s monsoon preparedness strategy. The upgrade was aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure to ensure reliability, stability, and safety during heavy rains and adverse weather conditions.
This transformation marked a significant step toward creating a stronger, more durable, and future-ready railway network for Mumbai’s millions of daily commuters.