‘Suspension of train services on Pamban bridge, a precaution’

DRM says empty rakes are, however, taken on the bridge

Suspension of train services on Pamban rail bridge to reach Rameswaram was only a precautionary measure after a crack was found in one of the main members of the cantilever bridge. However, empty rakes of trains that were terminated at Mandapam station were being taken across the bridge to pit lines in Rameswaram for maintenance, said Divisional Railway Manager Neenu Ittyerah.

Members are iron structures that hold the Scherzer’s span. The member that developed crack was welded and repaired. Train services had been suspended to make it doubly sure that all other members were intact so that trains could be run safely. The railways wanted to check whether the strain of the cracked member had been shifted to others, she said.

The Chief Bridge Engineer of Southern Railway had decided to involve instrumentation to ensure the strength of each element in the bridge. Only after analysing the entire bridge, repair work, if necessary, could be taken up before allowing trains with passengers, she said.

Ms. Ittyerah said it was during a routine safety inspection that the crack was detected. The century-old Scherzer’s span of the bridge had been strengthened over the years. “The plan to replace it is in an advanced stage,” the DRM said.

As of now, the railways had made arrangements for transporting passengers between Rameswaram and Mandapam railway stations by road. Over 2,000 persons were ferried by railway officials on Wednesday, she said.

Basic infrastructure at Mandapam was being temporarily augmented to meet the requirements of a large number of passengers. Additional facilities for issuing tickets were being made, she added.