Fire in power cables on Pamban bridge; 2 hour blackout in Rameswaram

The Pamban road bridge is a vital link to Rameswaram island. On it runs Rameswaram’s important electric cables, telephone cables and drinking water pipes. They have all been placed under the concrete on the pavements. 

On Monday night, smoke started emanating from the right side of the pavement. It was first noticed by tourists and local people who passed via the bridge. They warned the Fire and Rescue Department, who rushed to the spot. 

As soon as they saw the fire, they explained to the TNEB staff at Pamban about the gravity of the situation and asked them to shut off the electricity supply. Following this instruction, electricity supply to the entire island was stopped immediately. 

TNEB staff and workers swung into action to set the situation right. When the concrete on the pavement was opened they found that the high voltage cables were damaged. Contingency works were carried out using the cables from Paramakudi and electricity supply was restored in two hours.

 Sudhakar, AE of TNEB at Mandapam, said that two separate high voltage cables are carrying electricity via the bridge. First cable carries electricity to Rameswaram and the second carries electricity to Pamban and Akkalmadam. 

The damage was in the second wire. For temporary purpose, the first wire carrying electricity to Rameswaram was linked with the second wire. However, engineers from Chennai would come on Wednesday and solve the problem by replacing the cables completely, said Sudhakar. 

When the problem was analysed it was found out that the joint in the second cable which was laid two years before had developed a problem, he pointed out.