India’s first vertical-lift bridge – the Pamban Railway Bridge – facilitating the connection between the mainland and Rameswaram Island, is set to commence operations soon, as declared by Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha earlier this week. 

The new Pamban bridge is a breathtaking marvel. The new Pamban bridge is under construction alongside the old Pamban bridge, overseen by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 535 crore. 

What happened to the old Pamban Railway Bridge? 

As of now, the previous Pamban bridge is out of operation. Rail traffic was halted in December 2022 when sensors began issuing red alerts. Southern Railway decided to permanently suspend traffic following concerns about stability raised by IIT-Madras and the Research Design and Standards Organisation of Indian Railways.

All you need to know about Pamban Railway Bridge

  • In November 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the construction of the new bridge, with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited commencing work in February 2020. 
  • Originally planned for completion by December 2021, the deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The 2.05-kilometers-long bridge, according to Southern Railways, is poised to facilitate higher-speed train operations and enhance connectivity between the mainland of India and Rameswaram Island. 
  • Prior to the construction of a road bridge in 1988, train services were the sole link connecting Mandapam to Rameswaram Island in the Gulf of Mannar.
  • The old bridge, with a vertical clearance of only 1.5 meters between high-tide level and the bottom of the girder, often experienced sea water splashing. 
  • Recognising the limited residual life of the bridge, Southern Railways decided to reconstruct it, including a navigational lift span parallel to the existing structure.
  • The upcoming bridge, featuring 100 spans of 18.3 meters and one navigational span of 63 meters, will be 3.0 meters higher than the existing one, with a navigational air clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level. 
  • The substructure has been designed for double lines, accommodating the railways’ electrification plan.
  • Train services between Mandapam and Rameswaram Island were suspended on December 23, 2022, after the 1913-built existing rail bridge was declared non-operational due to safety concerns.