Electric cables in Pamban bridge damaged in fire accident

The High Voltage Cables that carry electricity to Rameswaram via the Pamban road bridge were badly damaged in a fire accident, on Monday, which left the entire Rameswaram island without electricity supply for more than two hours. 

The Rameswaram island is connected to the mainland via Pamban road bridge and all the important cables and water pipes are placed on the road bridge. Electricity cable, telephone cable and drinking water pipes are placed on the pavements of the bridge. 

On Monday night, at the right side of the pavement smoke started emanating and was noticed by the tourists and locals who had passed via the bridge. They had immediately warned the Fire and Rescue Department and they too had rushed to the spot. 

On arrival they had informed the TNEB staff at Pamban to shut the electricity supply and following that the electricity supply to the whole of the island was severed. Following that TNEB staff and workers too rushed to the spot. 

When the concrete on the pavement was opened the High Voltage Cables were damaged temporarily. Following the contingency works were carried out and electricity supply was restored in about two hours. However the TNEB staff said that the Engineers from Coimbatore had to be brought and the cables need to be changed only by them.

Only temporary arrangements were made to solve the electricity problem. The exact reason for the damage of cables is not yet known said the TNEB staff.