Kochi , 24 June (H.S.):

In a startling security lapse at one of Kerala’s most sensitive maritime zones, nearly half a kilometre of railway track has reportedly gone missing from the port area on Willingdon Island. Authorities suspect that the steel rails were cut and removed illegally from the high-security premises.

The missing section forms part of an old railway line between Q9 Berth and the Tata Tetley facility within the Cochin Port limits. The track had largely fallen into disuse after cargo operations shifted to Vallarpadam, and the area had become overgrown with vegetation due to the absence of regular rail movement.

According to sources, the railway line once crossed the road leading to Harbour Terminus railway station and was previously used for transporting coal to Hindustan Newsprint Limited (HNL) at Velloor. The rail infrastructure on port-owned land was maintained by the Cochin Port Authority.

What has raised serious concerns is that the disappearance occurred from a heavily guarded zone where entry is tightly regulated. The area is under the watch of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other security personnel. Investigators believe that metal components worth a substantial amount were removed without attracting attention, pointing to a possible organised operation.

Concrete sleepers and slabs that once supported the tracks are now reportedly lying scattered within the compound, while large stretches of the steel rails have vanished. The railway line is protected by a gated access point, making unauthorised entry difficult and deepening the mystery surrounding the incident.

The Cochin Port Authority has reportedly launched an internal inquiry into the matter. However, no formal complaint has yet been lodged with the police. Railway officials visited the site on Tuesday evening to inspect the area and assess the extent of the loss.

The incident has triggered questions over security arrangements at the strategic port facility and whether the removal of such a large quantity of railway infrastructure could have taken place without insider assistance or administrative oversight.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman