172 LEVEL CROSS

A feature story on the arrival of a rail over bridge and transformation of an era in a small village of Malappuram.

Clock wise from top No.172 level cross, inauguration of Rail Over Bridge, ROB under construction.

For Mani ettan it was an entirely different day, for Aseeskka it was apocalypse. No one was listening to the clinking of bangles in Maniettan's shop neither feeling the smell of hot tea of Aseeskka, the reality was that no one was seeing the glass bangles neither paripuvada. Tankers, lorries, buses, posh Mercedes, rickshaws were all busy dashing through the brand new Rail Over Bridge.

It was indeed dream come true for the multitude. It was the motto of development for the politicians. It was totally a 'stress buster' for the swift drivers to reach fast and furiously. It was a sanctification  for the bus drivers and lorry drivers. No one is  remembering at the bygone days of number 172 level cross...

For long 18 years this level cross is the life and soul of Pushpanathan. Hailing from Kozhikode Nallalam he is the gate keeper and life keeper of Devadhar. Aravindakshan of Shornur and K.Pradosh of Tanur Chirakkal were also on duty for Devadhar rail gate. As Ernakulam-Nisamudhin Mangala Express whistles through here yesterday at 4.55, it was an ending whistle for their life long duty here.

With much zest and zeal the Devadhar Rail Over Bridge was opened. It is indeed a mile stone in traffic history of Kerala as drivers can go non stop through 'Chamravattam' route. This bridge is actually inter connecting the 'unending' Kozhikode- Ernakulam route via Chamravattom Bridge. The overwhelmed villagers are licking mango sticks and palice (ice cream made from milk) to celebrate this extravaganza of development in their village. 

As we drive through the brand new over bridge, the brick walls that echoes the breathe of an era of Devedhar Higher Secondary School cannot be heard any more. The queue for milk shakes cannot be seen any more. The tightly packed students in their white turned brown uniforms, with innocence in face and sweat on forehead cannot be felt any more.

The inevitable 'need' for change is eating up even the remotest and remotest villages of India. No one is rising up as in Ghezhi park in India. The time has encroached to make the present generation realise that an era is about to be born in Malappuram, unknowing the long waitings infront of Devadhar rail cross, while going to school it was time to buy the hot ground nuts and preserved nellikya and manga ( goose berries and mangoes), while long drives to Kozhikode it was time to take a break for the long fights with your younger brother and for the daily commuters it was a time to contemplate on oneself.

The Nisamuddhin Mangala Express is passing away now, same as the day before yesterday... With one difference no one is waiting for her royal journey at 172 railway cross. Except the bright red roses of Pushpanathan now all dusty and rusty in missing their Godfather.

*Devadhar level cross is situated near Puthentheru in Tanur Grama Panchayath of Malappuram district.