SOLAPUR (Maharashtra) [India], December 17 (ANI): The Solapur Division of Central Railway successfully executed a 13-hour 30-minute special traffic block on December 14 to dismantle a 103-year-old Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Solapur Yard, completing the operation in 12 hours 45 minutes, the railway said in an official release.
Constructed in 1922, the 19.7-metre-long ROB had become vulnerable to heavy vehicular traffic and imposed severe restrictions on train operations, limiting speeds to 15 kmph and hampering the yard’s capacity on the Mumbai-Chennai leg of the Golden Quadrilateral. The dismantling was carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in close coordination with Indian Railways, with extensive safety measures to protect tracks, overhead equipment (OHE) and railway infrastructure.
A range of machinery was deployed, including hydraulic cranes (225 T, 200 T, 200 T), excavator breakers, JCBs, Bobcats, long boom excavators, tractor breakers, and trolleys. Protective measures such as steel channels, sandbags, and plywood planks ensured safety during the removal process.
The traffic block was strategically planned to minimise disruption. Most major trains—including Vande Bharat Express, Hutatma Express, Siddheshwar Express, Karnataka Express, and Mumbai-Chennai Superfast services—continued operations with minimal hindrance. Alternative arrangements, including short terminations and bus transfers, were made for passengers. Help Desks were established at key stations to assist travelers.
In addition to dismantling the ROB, the Division conducted 21 shadow blocks along the Solapur-Wadi section for essential maintenance, covering locations such as Solapur Yard, Solapur SSP, Bale Bridge, Mohol-Wakav-Angar, Madha, Wadsinge, Tikekarwadi, Tilati, Akkalkot Road-Nagansur, and Shahabad-Wadi. Six major safety-related works were included in this schedule.
A total of 691 personnel, including 354 railway employees and 337 contractual workers, were deployed to ensure smooth execution. Divisional branch officers closely monitored the operation, ensuring effective coordination and rapid decision-making.
The successful completion of this major traffic block demonstrates meticulous planning, inter-agency coordination, and the Solapur Division’s commitment to modernising infrastructure while maintaining passenger-centric operations.
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