In a major push for India’s railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 6) inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Bridge, country’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, connecting the island of Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. Replacing the 110-year-old bridge decommissioned in 2022, the new structure blends cutting-edge engineering with cultural reverence.
Ahead of the inauguration, a successful trial run was conducted. During the event, PM Modi remotely operated the lift mechanism of the bridge and flagged off the inaugural Rameswaram–Tambaram Express as well as a Coast Guard ship, marking the official launch of the engineering marvel.
As part of his Rameswaram visit, the Prime Minister will also offer prayers at Ramanathaswamy Temple and lay the foundation stones for road and rail projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore. The initiatives are expected to significantly boost connectivity and development in Tamil Nadu.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the bridge as “a marvel” symbolic of Tamil culture, heritage and the ingenuity of Indian Railways. “The Pamban Bridge is a proud tribute to Tamil civilisation, language and history,” he said.
What else makes the new Pamban bridge unique?
The original Pamban Bridge served as a lifeline for trade and pilgrimage between Rameswaram and mainland India for over a century. However, age, corrosion and increasing maintenance demands led to the need for a modern upgrade. In 2019, the foundation stone was laid for the new Pamban Bridge.
Besides being India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, it’s also a mix of innovation, durability and future-ready design. Stretching 2.08 km across the Palk Strait, the bridge boasts 99 spans and a central 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can rise 17 metres, allowing smooth passage for large vessels. It stands three metres taller than its predecessor, enabling smaller ships to pass without the lift being raised.
Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore, the bridge features stainless steel reinforcements and a special polysiloxane coating to combat corrosion in the harsh marine environment. Fully welded joints further enhance its structural integrity and reduce long-term maintenance.
Another standout feature is its dual-track design, making it ready for both heavy freight movement and advanced semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express. Supported by 333 piles and 101 pile caps, it’s built to carry both tradition and technology into the future.
