The Solapur Division of Central Railway successfully dismantled a 103-year-old road overbridge at Solapur Yard on December 14. The bridge, built in 1922, was removed during a 13-hour 30-minute special traffic block. Railway officials completed the complex work in just 12 hours and 45 minutes, restoring normal train operations ahead of schedule. The old bridge had become unsafe due to heavy vehicle use and caused operational problems. Train speeds under the bridge were limited to 15 kmph, affecting maintenance and forcing train stoppages at Solapur, a major station on the Mumbai-Chennai Golden Quadrilateral route. The low clearance also raised safety concerns for overhead traction lines, especially with increased petroleum transport at nearby IOCL siding. The National Highways Authority of India led the dismantling in close coordination with Indian Railways. Strict safety measures protected tracks, overhead wires, and signalling equipment. Overhead traction wires were temporarily lowered and later restored using tower wagons. Tracks and points were shielded with steel channels, sandbags, and planks to prevent damage from falling debris. Heavy machinery like hydraulic cranes, excavators, and breakers were deployed. A team of 691 staff and workers worked round the clock to ensure the operation’s success. Railway authorities said they carefully planned the block to limit passenger inconvenience. Most trains continued running with little or no disruption, keeping key connections to Mumbai, Pune, and other regions intact. Advance updates on train diversions and rescheduling were shared via press, apps, social media, and SMS alerts. Help desks were set up at Solapur, Kalaburagi, Pandharpur, and Kurduvadi stations. Special arrangements including road transport assisted diverted and short-terminated trains' passengers. Alongside dismantling, the block was used to complete essential maintenance across 21 shadow blocks on the Solapur-Wadi section, focusing on safety improvements to avoid future disruptions. Railway officials praised the smooth coordination and planning behind the project. They said the work highlights their commitment to safety, infrastructure upgrades, and passenger service.