Trains on Pamban bridge to resume after safety clearance

A wheel in the century-old bridge that provides the rail link between Rameswaram and the mainland broke on Tuesday evening, leading to cancellation of train services from here.

Southern Railway Chief Bridge Engineer Ravindra Babu, who oversaw the repair work along with the Madurai Divisional Railway Manager, said the problem had been rectified.

But, train services between Rameswaram, an important pilgrim centre thronged by people from across the country, and Pamban would be resumed after safety officials inspect and give the go ahead, he said.

Trains coming to Rameswaram are now terminated at Mandapam from where buses have been arranged by the railways for passengers coming here, Babu said.

The 100-year old meter gauge bridge had been modified some years ago to operate broad gauge trains and since then problems have cropped up, he said. A proposal for a new bridge was pending, he added. The bridge suffered a snag last month when an iron rope snapped, affecting movement of ships through it.