Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the new Pamban Rail Bridge, in Rameswaram on Sunday (April 6). The prime minister is slated to unveil several major infrastructure projects during his visit to Tamil Nadu.
Tight security has been deployed in the coastal town in anticipation of the event. Modi is set to inaugurate the bridge around noon on April 6. He will also flag off a new Rameswaram–Tambaram (Chennai) train service and a Coast Guard ship as the bridge’s vertical lift span rises to demonstrate its functionality.
According to a government statement, as part of his itinerary, Modi will offer prayers at the renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. He will also lay the foundation stone and dedicate road and rail projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Ministry of Railways shared a promotional video showcasing the scenic beauty and engineering marvel of the new Rs 550 crore vertical lift Pamban Bridge. The ministry wrote on X, “Bridging the past, lifting the new, Pamban stands tall with a breathtaking view. This Ram Navami, witness India’s First Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge — unveiling in one day!”
Pamban Bridge – Key facts on Indian engineering marvel
- The new Pamban Bridge, connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, is a state-of-the-art engineering feat. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the 2.08-km bridge includes 99 spans and features a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can elevate up to 17 metres, allowing large vessels to pass without halting train movement.
- Constructed with stainless steel reinforcements, fully welded joints, high-grade protective paint and a special polysiloxane coating, the bridge is corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance.
- It is also future-ready, designed to accommodate dual rail tracks for increasing transport demand.
- The original Pamban Bridge, built in 1914 with a cantilever design and a Scherzer Rolling Lift span, served as a crucial link for pilgrims and trade for over a century.
- Due to challenging marine conditions and growing transport needs, the government approved its replacement in 2019.
- Despite facing obstacles like turbulent seas, strong winds and seismic risks, the new bridge stands as a testament to modern Indian engineering.
- It now ranks among iconic global bridges such as the Golden Gate (USA), Tower Bridge (UK), and Oresund Bridge (Denmark–Sweden).
- According to the government, the new Pamban Bridge is more than infrastructure, it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience and India’s advancing capabilities in engineering excellence.
Other roadways projects to be launched by PM Modi
The projects include the foundation stone laying for the four-laning of a 28-kilometre stretch of National Highway 40 (NH-40) between Walajapet and Ranipet. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate newly four-laned segments on three other national highways: a 29-kilometre stretch of NH-332 between Viluppuram and Puducherry, a 57-kilometre section of NH-32 from Poondiyankuppam to Sattanathapuram, and a 48-kilometre stretch of NH-36 between Cholapuram and Thanjavur.
These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity to pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations, reduce travel times, and improve access to ports and healthcare facilities. As per the statement released by government, the projects are also expected to support local farmers, ease produce transport and boost regional economic activity, particularly in leather and small-scale industries.