The Central Railway (CR) has taken a decision to remove all British-era Overhead Equipment (OHE) masts by June next year. They have already started the work to remove these unused masts.
On the intervening night of November 8-9, one heavyweight OHE mast in the Ghatkopar section was removed. They used two cranes and 22 personnel for the same.
CR will be dismantling 14 such heavy structures between CSMT and Kalyan stations in order to improve the railway skyline. The steel structures are unused, old and can be corroded in the future said, officials.
The OHE was erected during the initial electric traction work of 1,500-volt Direct Current (DC) trains. During that time, electrical clearances were sufficient, states accounts. However, there was a conversion of the traction system from 1,500 volt DC to 25,000-volt Alternating Current (AC), due to which the electrical clearances became critical.
An official said that heavy sparks will be caused if any bird sits on an old structure. It will increase the chances of an accident, and hence, it is necessary to replace these OHE masts with new underslung portals.
Meanwhile, the WR will soon be replacing all steel girders with concrete girders placed on culverts between Churchgate and Virar stations.
Also read: CR Announces Special Night Traffic Block Between “These” Stations On November 13-14
Share
Tweet
