Canadian National Railway Electrification

On July 24, 1927, the Canadian National Railway finished electrifying tracks around Montreal's Central Station, deploying 2400-volt DC systems for suburban trains. This upgrade replaced steam locomotives with electric multiple units, reducing smoke pollution in the growing city and improving schedule reliability. Key figures included CN president Sir Henry Thornton, who championed modernization post-World War I. The project overcame challenges of integrating with existing steam infrastructure and harsh Canadian winters. It boosted passenger volumes and influenced North American electrification trends, leaving a legacy in sustainable rail operations still evident today.