Western Railway achieved a significant engineering milestone on the Virar-Surat section by launching two 12-meter Foot Over Bridge (FOB) girders. The operation took place at Umbergaon Road station in Gujarat on April 13, 2026. This project was carried out with high precision and coordination to minimize impact on the busy rail route.
Details of the simultaneous girder launch
- The project involved the simultaneous launch of two 12-meter girders, a task usually performed in different stages.
- Western Railway used a massive 350 metric tonne working crane for the primary lifting.
- A 250 metric tonne standby crane and two Hydra machines were kept ready to support the operation.
- A dedicated team of 25 laborers worked on the ground to assist the technical staff during the launch.
How this project helps railway passengers
The installation of these girders is part of the ongoing infrastructure upgrade at Umbergaon Road station. Railway officials stated that the new Foot Over Bridge will provide a safer and more convenient way for passengers to move between platforms. The use of heavy-duty machinery allowed the engineering team to complete the complex work within the scheduled time. This development highlights the focus of Indian Railways on modernizing small and medium-sized stations for better crowd management.