Train services restored after repair works carried out to bridge on Erode – Karur section

Train services on the Erode–Karur section were restored on Saturday after temporary restoration work was carried out on the collapsed portion of the retaining wall of the railway overbridge at Gatepudhur on Erode–Karur Road here.

Due to continuous rainfall, a section of the retaining wall, located between Erode and Chavadipalayam railway stations, collapsed around 8.30 p.m. on Friday. Following the incident, vehicular movement on the stretch was stopped, and train services were affected, with trains being diverted via the Erode–Salem–Namakkal–Karur route.

Authorities undertook temporary restoration work, enabling train services to resume in the early hours of Saturday. Meanwhile, barricades were placed on the affected road, and vehicles were diverted via  Thambiran Valasu on Vellakovil–Sankari Road, through Pattarai and Nanjai Uthukuli, before rejoining on Chavadipalayam Four Roads.

Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise, S. Muthusamy, along with Erode MP K.E. Prakash and Erode East MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar, inspected the site and reviewed the condition of the damaged bridge. The Minister instructed officials to expedite permanent repair works and ensure safe movement of vehicles and trains.

Trains that were diverted on Saturday are Train No.16232 Mysore – Cuddalore Port Express, Train No.22668 Coimbatore – Nagercoil Express, Train No.22629 Dadar – Tirunelveli Weekly Express, Train No.16231 Cuddalore Port – Mysore Express and Train No.16235 Tuticorin – Mysore Express.