Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 2.8 km long new Pamban Rail Bridge at Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram on the occasion of Ram Navami on April 6. The new Pamban Rail Bridge is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, which will greatly enhance rail connectivity to Rameswaram. PM Modi had laid the foundation stone of this new bridge in November 2019.
Railway transport between Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district and Rameswaram Island began in 1914. A railway bridge was constructed for the movement of ships which could open and close as required.
The old Pamban Bridge has been operational for over 106 years. However, rail traffic on the old bridge was suspended due to structural damage. Following this, the government announced the construction of a new railway suspension bridge at a cost of Rs 550 crore.
Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh confirmed the inauguration during a press conference at Rameswaram after inspecting the bridge and ongoing railway station construction projects.
He also informed that a rehearsal was also held to ensure all necessary arrangements were in place for PM Modi’s visit and preparation for the inauguration ceremony. R.N. Singh arrived at Rameswaram by a special inspection train and later briefed the media about the details of the Pamban Bridge inauguration.
New Pamban Rail Bridge: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
The new Pamban Railway Bridge, spanning about 2.8 km on Pamban Island (Rameswaram Island), is equipped with state-of-the-art engineering features. It includes a 72.5 m long vertical lift span, operated by an advanced electromechanical system, which can be raised to allow ships to pass. This is India’s first vertical lift railway bridge, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure achievements.
The new bridge will replace the old Pamban Cantilever Bridge, which had deteriorated over time and was no longer suitable for high-speed train operations. The structure of the old bridge remains intact, pending a final decision on its removal.
Rameswaram: One of India’s Holiest Places
The Rameswaram island region in Tamil Nadu is considered one of the holiest places in India. Deeply connected to the epic Ramayana, Rameswaram holds great significance for devotees as it is associated with Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Lakshmana.
In earlier times, pilgrims visiting this holy site used to cross the Pamban Waters by boat from Mandapam to reach major religious sites like Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, Kothanda Ramar Temple and Ramar Padam (footprints of Lord Rama).
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