Seven-decade-old Foot Over Bridge at Kottayam station dismantled

The dismantling of the old Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Kottayam Railway Station, a 69-year-old reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure, has been successfully completed by Thiruvanathapuram Division, Southern Railway. The bridge, built around 1956, had long been in a deteriorating condition, posing a potential safety issue for passengers and train operations.

The 18 m long and 3 m wide structure was one of the oldest RCC bridge. The dismantling, which was pending for a long time due to technical complexities and operational constraints, has now been carried out in a fast, safe and controlled manner. Originally scheduled from mid-August to September 13, the dismantling work was planned with minimum disturbance to train services and passenger movement, said the railways in a statement here on Saturday.

Significantly, the task was completed on August 30, almost half a month ahead of schedule, reflecting efficient execution by the engineering teams. The major traffic changes including cancllaton, diversion and regulations of trains announced on September 10, 11, 12, and 13 have been fully withdrawn. A key operational constraint associated with the old bridge was the limited overhead equipment (OHE) clearance of only 4.69 metres under the bridge.

With the removal of the bridge, the OHE height can now be normalised to standard height. This enhancement will facilitate smoother train movement. The bridge had outlived its structural life and its removal was essential both for passenger safety and for meeting modern operational standards. The dismantling also forms part of a broader programme to upgrade passenger amenities and infrastructure at Kottayam station, which has been witnessing steady growth in passenger traffic.

The Southern Railway has been prioritising the replacement or strengthening of ageing railway structures across the country. The removal of the Kottayam foot overbridge marks a significant step in ensuring safety while enabling the station to handle higher traffic demands and modern rolling stock, said the statement.