The construction of a rail overbridge progressing in full swing at Ozhuginasery in Nagercoil.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
To bring much-needed relief to the commuters, travelling between Nagercoil, Thovalai and other districts through Ozhuginasery, officials from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division said that the construction of Rail Over Bridge (ROB) in Ozhuginasery is progressing in full swing, and it will be completed in another 10 days.The construction of the new ROB which commenced around four years ago, had progressed at snail’s pace but has now reached its final stage. Until a few weeks ago, the old ROB adjacent to this new structure was being used as a two-way route by thousands of commuters every day.However, the construction of the new structure stemmed after the doubling of approximately 86 km Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kanniyakumari rail line commenced in 2019. The project is expected to ease the traffic in the Ozhuginasery area, where the commuter traffic has increased significantly over the years.Following the installation of new ROB structure, buses and other vehicles travelling out of Nagercoil through Avvai Shanmugam Salai have been allowed to use the new ROB and vehicles entering Nagercoil through Avvai Shanmugam Salai. However, vehicles travelling between Vadasery and Thovalai continue to face inconvenience due to diversions.Aravinth, a resident of Pudhukudiyiruppu said, “The speedier completion of the new structure would benefit the residents, as currently buses from Vadasery towards Thovalai and other districts travel through Putheri before reaching APPTA market, which results in additional travel time.”He urged the authorities to expedite the remaining work for the benefit of the residents and commuters.In addition, along with the construction of a new ROB, railway land at Ozhuginasery tri-road junction has been acquired to facilitate necessary changes in the alignment.An official from Railways told The Hindu the work is progressing in full swing and it will be completed in another 10 days. Once the work is completed, the state authorities will finalise the traffic movement plan.An official from Nagercoil traffic wing said that from next Monday buses from Vadasery to Tirunelveli and Thovalai will be allowed through the new ROB. In the return journey, the same route will be permitted after completion of the ROB and required traffic infrastructure. In the meantime, vehicles entering and exiting through Avvai Shanmugam Salai will be allowed through the bridge in both directions. Published - August 06, 2026 08:39 pm IST
