Published Jul 09, 2026 | 1:11 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2026 | 1:11 PM
The iconic clock tower gave way during ongoing renovation work at the Kozhikode railway station..
Synopsis: Train services were disrupted after the century-old clock tower at the Kozhikode railway station in Kerala collapsed, triggering a major emergency response and forcing railway authorities to suspend operations through the station.
Train services were disrupted after the century-old clock tower at the Kozhikode railway station in Kerala collapsed onto Platform No. 2 on Thursday, 9 July, triggering a major emergency response and forcing railway authorities to suspend operations through the station.
The incident occurred at around 11.42 am when a portion of the old station building, including the iconic clock tower, gave way during ongoing renovation work.
Fortunately, no one was injured, according to the preliminary reports. The collapse occurred on the platform when the Kozhikode-Kannur passenger service was halted.
Railway officials said the accident was narrowly averted as the passengers had not yet gathered for its scheduled departure later in the day. A few railway employees who were in the vicinity managed to run to safety.
Also Read: Kerala government’s appointment of Senior Standing Counsel for SC triggers controversy
The falling structure landed on overhead power lines, prompting authorities to immediately disconnect the electricity supply to Platforms 1, 2 and 3.
Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and railway officials rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.
Train operations through Kozhikode station were affected, with several services delayed or regulated. The Netravati Express and Eranad Express were halted at nearby stations, including Vellayil and West Hill, as railway authorities suspended traffic until safety inspections could be completed.
Officials said the collapse took place while safety arrangements were being carried out as part of the station’s redevelopment project. Piling work is currently underway at the site.
The clock tower, part of the station’s heritage building that is more than a century old, had reportedly been in a dilapidated condition. Sources said warnings had earlier been issued that the structure was vulnerable and could collapse, especially after days of heavy rain in Kozhikode.
Concerns had also been raised that piling work for the renovation project could further weaken the old structure.
Following the collapse, the area has been declared unsafe amid fears that the remaining portion of the clock tower could also give way. Railway authorities have launched an assessment of the structure, while questions are being raised over whether earlier warnings about the condition of the heritage building were ignored.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshim Soman.)
