Rameswaram: On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge, a modern marvel that replaces the 110-year-old structure linking Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. The Pamban Rail Bridge, also known as the vertical lift sea bridge, is India’s first such bridge and is set to enhance connectivity and maritime operations in the region.
Prime Minister Modi also flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service and a Coast Guard ship that passed through the bridge for the first time during the inauguration.
The Pamban Rail Bridge, which spans 2.08 km, is a state-of-the-art structure featuring 99 spans, including a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that rises to a height of 17 meters to allow smooth passage for ships. Designed with an automated electro-mechanical lift system, the bridge will support both seamless train operations and the unhindered movement of vessels. The expected lifespan of the bridge is 58 years.
Constructed at a cost of Rs. 550 crore, the bridge is made with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, ensuring durability and reduced maintenance. It is further coated with special polysiloxane paint to protect it from corrosion in the harsh marine environment. The bridge is designed to accommodate dual rail tracks to meet future demands.
The old bridge, built in 1914, had served as the only link between Rameswaram and the mainland for over a century. It held significant cultural importance, particularly in the context of the Ramayana, as the Ram Setu, or Adam’s Bridge, was believed to have been constructed from the area of Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram.
PM Modi also visited the renowned Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, where he performed darshan and pooja, further underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the region.
The inauguration of the Pamban Rail Bridge marks a significant step in enhancing infrastructure while preserving the deep cultural ties to the Ramayana, reinforcing Rameswaram’s important place in both historical and modern India.
