RTC to run more services via Kottayam

KOTTAYAM/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC will operate additional bus services from May 25-27 via Kottayam as train services will be disrupted due to demolition of Nagambadom bridge at Kottayam yard using high capacity cranes on Saturday.
Railways said the work will end in 24 hours and services will be regulated from 12.40am on May 25 to 12.40am on May 26. This will lead to the cancellation of 32 trains.
The bridge built in 1953 did not crumble when implosive method of demolition was tried on April 27. A senior railway official, the first step would be to give support to the bridge during demolition. Already five cribs have been erected outside the track for this purpose. The remaining five will be erected over the track once rail traffic is blocked. Three cranes have been brought to the spot for dismantling the bridge. The bridge will be sliced part by part and dismantled parts will be used for landfilling purposes. Metal parts will be sold to scrap dealers, said sources.
"We have shared the details of cancelled and diverted trains with KSRTC and it will schedule buses accordingly.," said station manager at Central station.
KSRTC has arranged superfast and other higher-class buses with one inspector being deployed at Thiruvananthapuram Central station to manage movement of buses and avoid traffic block in the area. "KSRTC will operate services connecting Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur from Thampanoor depot after considering the convenience of passengers," said KSRTC MD MP Dinesh.
"There will be a bus via Kottayam at 15-minute intervals from Thiruvananthapuram central depot. These buses will go to the railway station here and passengers can board the bus. Considering the rush, additional buses have been kept at the depot. Unit officers at Kaniyapuram and Venjaramoodu depots will provide additional buses if required," said R Rajeev, DTO, Thiruvananthapuram Central depot. Buses will start journey from railway station on May 25. tnn