 In the mid-1950s, the line between Petone and Featherston was substantially realigned, with the line diverted to the east of the Hutt River between Petone and Haywards to serve new housing developments in northern Lower Hutt, and the construction of the Rimutaka Tunnel to replace the Rimutaka Incline.Part of the former route west of the Hutt River has been retained as the Melling Branch.The southern portion of the line between Wellington and Upper Hutt is electrified and is also known as the Hutt Valley Line.