Kottayam: After 69 years of service, the iconic concrete footbridge at Kottayam railway station is set to fade into history, with authorities preparing to dismantle the structure that has long connected the station’s first three platforms.

The dismantling will take place between August 16 and September 13, with the preliminary phase of work scheduled from August 16 to 31. Access to the footbridge will be prohibited from August 14 onwards. For generations of commuters, this marks the loss of yet another piece of railway nostalgia, much like the station’s twin tunnel. The bridge measures 17.79 metres in length and 3.3 metres in width.

First foot overbridge
Constructed in 1956—the same year Kottayam railway station was completed—the concrete footbridge begins at the station’s main entrance and provides direct access to platforms 1, 2, and 3. While most modern railway footbridges are built with iron girders, this one was made entirely of concrete.

The structure was originally designed to suit the height of diesel engines, which were then in widespread use. However, with the arrival of electric engines, the bridge posed clearance issues. During the station’s recent double-track expansion, a new entrance was created for platform 1, and access from the old bridge was closed. A new footbridge was also built to connect platforms 2 through 5. With this upgrade in place, permission was granted to dismantle the old bridge.

Dismantling in phases
The dismantling will be carried out in phases. In the first phase, from August 16 to 31, the tiled flooring will be removed. This work will take place at night to minimise disruption to train services. In the second phase, the bridge will be completely demolished, which will require a full halt of train traffic on this route. The exact dates for this phase are yet to be decided.

Traffic regulations
To facilitate the first phase of dismantling, train traffic adjustments have been announced between August 16 and 31.

1. Train No. 16326 Kottayam–Nilambur Express will be cancelled between Kottayam and Ettumanoor on August 16, 17, 19, 23 and 29. On these days, the train will begin service from Ettumanoor at 5.27 am.
2.Train No. 06164 Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Special will have a 30-minute halt on August 26.