Passenger association seeks memorial stupa at Podanur Railway Junction in remembrance of ‘Wagon Tragedy’

The Podanur Train Users’ Association has sought permission from the Southern Railway to establish a memorial stupa at the Podanur Railway Junction in remembrance of the 1921 Wagon Tragedy.

In a representation to the General Manager of Southern Railway U. Subba Rao, association general secretary N. Subramanian said the ‘Wagon Tragedy’ took place when several freedom fighters imprisoned for Malabar Rebellion and transported in a closed railway goods wagon from Tirur Railway Station to Podanur Railway Junction had died of suffocation before reaching the destination.

The Wagon Tragedy is an important and painful chapter in the history of India’s freedom struggle, he said.

As in Tirur Railway Station, a memorial stupa should be permitted at Podanur Railway Junction, preferably at a suitable location near the entrance within the railway premises, Mr. Subramanian said.

The memorial will be a fitting tribute to the brave freedom fighters and would help preserve the memory of their sacrifice for generations to come, he said.