Key Facts
On July 9, 2026, a clock tower at Kozhikode railway station collapsed during redevelopment work. The incident caused major disruption to train services, but no casualties were reported as the area had been cordoned off. Local MLAs have demanded accountability from Southern Railway officials.
Details of the Incident
The clock tower was scheduled for demolition at 10 a.m. on Thursday. According to Kozhikode South MLA Fyzal Babu, the station master informed that the area was cordoned off, so no one was near when it collapsed. Train services were severely affected: trains from the north terminated at Vellayil and other nearby stations, while those from the south terminated at Feroke. Only Platform No. 4 remained operational for passenger trains.
Political Reactions and Demands
Fyzal Babu stated, “The clock tower should have been demolished before the railway station redevelopment work began. Unfortunately, the project has been delayed. The Southern Railway should dismiss all officials associated with Kozhikode railway station at the earliest.”
Kozhikode North MLA K. Jayanth added that a major disaster was averted. He noted that an inspection team from Palakkad visited on July 8 and had planned to demolish the tower. “Had the railway station redevelopment work progressed faster, the collapse might have been avoided. Commuters will face difficulties as a result. The redevelopment work has been carried out in a sloppy manner,” he said.
Jayanth further revealed that officials attributed the collapse to piling work. He called for a proper inquiry into the delay in redevelopment and why the structure was not demolished beforehand.
Impact on Commuters and Railway Operations
The collapse disrupted train services for several hours. Only one platform remained functional, causing delays and cancellations. Commuters faced significant inconvenience, and the incident has raised concerns about safety during the station's redevelopment.
What Readers Should Know
- The clock tower collapse occurred on July 9, 2026, at Kozhikode railway station.
- No injuries were reported as the area was cordoned off.
- Train services were severely disrupted; only Platform 4 remained operational.
- MLAs Fyzal Babu and K. Jayanth have demanded accountability and dismissal of responsible officials.
- An inquiry has been sought into the delay in demolition and the redevelopment process.
FAQ
When did the clock tower collapse at Kozhikode railway station?
The clock tower collapsed on July 9, 2026, during redevelopment work at the station.
Why did the clock tower collapse?
Officials cited piling work as the cause. MLAs have demanded an inquiry into the delay in demolition and redevelopment.
What was the impact on train services?
Train services were severely disrupted. Trains from the north terminated at Vellayil, and those from the south at Feroke. Only Platform 4 remained operational.