Pamban bridge hit by corrosion at many parts, train services unlikely

Authorities had on Tuesday noticed a fissure on a portion of the century-old cantilever bridge, which connects Rameswaram with the mainland. Subsequently, a decision was made to stop all the trains at Mandapam.

Refusing to reveal the duration till when the suspension would remain in force, the DRM said all efforts are being made to set right the problem.

She said work on creating temporary arrangements for passengers at Mandapam, which is 17 km from Rameswaram, is underway. “We are ensuring facilities for drinking water and watering the coach. Besides, the approach road to the station is being strengthened,” she said.

Passengers are being taken by specially-arranged buses between Mandapam and Rameswaram. “Technical restoration work is under way. No passenger train is being operated. Currently, empty rakes, which require pit line maintenance, are plying through the bridge to Rameswaram,” she said.

Four pairs of passenger trains are operated to and from Rameswaram daily, besides two daily express trains, six bi-weekly express trains and two tri-weekly express trains. All of them are terminated at Mandapam, sources added.

Chief Bridge Engineer K Ravindra Babu, who inspected the repair works along with other Southern Railway officials on Thursday, said the stability of the bridge needs to be checked.