On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge, developed at a cost of ₹550 crore, is a marvel of modern engineering and a symbol of spiritual and historical significance.
A Modern Engineering Feat with Mythological Roots
Located near Dhanushkodi, the starting point of the mythical Ram Setu mentioned in the Ramayana, the new Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India. The 2.08-km-long structure features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can elevate up to 17 metres, allowing large ships to pass without interrupting railway operations.
The bridge’s inauguration was timed perfectly to coincide with Ram Navami, adding spiritual significance to the momentous event.
Designed for the Future
Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the bridge incorporates several next-gen technologies:
- Stainless steel reinforcements
- High-grade protective paint
- Fully welded joints for minimal maintenance
- Dual track support for future expansion
- Polysiloxane coating to protect against corrosion in the harsh marine environment
These features ensure the bridge is durable, efficient, and sustainable for decades to come.
Replacing a Century-Old Legacy
The original Pamban Bridge, built in 1914 by British engineers, was India’s first sea bridge and remained operational for over a century. It featured a Scherzer Rolling Lift span and served as a vital link for pilgrims, traders, and tourists visiting Rameswaram. In 2019, the Indian government approved the replacement of the aging structure with this state-of-the-art vertical lift bridge.
Flagging Off New Rail & Coast Guard Services
During the inauguration, PM Modi also flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service, marking a major boost to regional connectivity. In a symbolic gesture showcasing the bridge’s functionality, a Coast Guard ship passed through as the Vertical Lift Span rose, illustrating seamless coordination between rail and marine transport.
PM Modi Visit to Rameswaram Temple & Other Projects
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to offer darshan and pooja at the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple around 12:45 PM. Later, around 1:30 PM, he will lay the foundation stone and dedicate multiple road and rail projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu, further strengthening the state’s infrastructure landscape.
