A nearly 130-year-old clock tower building collapsed at Kerala’s Kozhikode Railway Station, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy. The incident occurred on Thursday at around 11.10 a.m., with tonnes of debris falling onto Platform No. 2 and damaging overhead electrical lines. Fortunately, no passengers were in the area when the structure gave way.
Railway employees near the tower noticed the collapse in time and escaped unharmed. A Kozhikode-Kannur passenger train on Platform No. 2 was locked, with no passengers aboard, preventing a potentially devastating accident. The iconic clock tower, located between Platforms 2 and 3, collapsed along with a part of the roof onto Platform No. 2.
The collapse disrupted train services by damaging overhead electrical lines. The Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Eranad Express faced delays, and passenger access to Platforms 2 and 3 was suspended as a precaution. Preliminary assessments suggest that the collapse resulted from the structural weakening of the heritage building due to continuous heavy rainfall in Kozhikode.
Questions have been raised about the safety of aging railway infrastructure following the incident. Officials had noted cracks in the building and observed significant deterioration due to its age. Despite warnings and ongoing discussions on addressing the issue, the collapse occurred. Renovation works, including piling operations, are ongoing at the station, with concerns that these activities might further weaken the structures.
The Railways have declared a high alert at the station, cordoning off the affected area and restricting public access until safety is ensured. MLA Mohammed Riyas has demanded a comprehensive safety audit of Kozhikode Railway Station, highlighting the known deteriorating condition of the heritage structure. Allegations of inadequate preventive measures leading to the collapse have surfaced, emphasizing the need for accountability and stricter safety protocols.
