Rameswaran: Marking a historic milestone Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed iconic Pamban Bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
He also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram and launched various new projects.
Mr Modi also flagged off a Coast Guard Ship as the Vertical Lift Span of the Bridge rises up to make way.
In this historic moment, the Prime Minister remotely operated the vertical lift mechanism of the bridge from Pamban itself and flagged off the inaugural special of Rameswaram- Tambaram Express and a Coast Guard ship marking the inauguration of the new Bridge and its vertical lift span, the first of its kind in the country.
Connecting Rameswaram to the mainland, the Pamban Bridge not only enhances transportation but also places Indian engineering marvel on the global stage and serves as both a vital transport link and a cultural symbol.
As per the Ramayana, Lord Ram initiated the construction of a bridge to Sri Lanka from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram. The old Pamban Bridge once served as a crucial link for pilgrims traveling to the Pamban Island.
Now, with advanced technology, the new Pamban Bridge offers greater convenience and an enriching spiritual experience.
Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.
Spanning 2.08 kms, the bridge comprises 99 spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships, while ensuring seamless train operations.
The bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements.
Its foundation is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps, designed for dual rail tracks and future expansion.
The use of polysiloxane paint protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.
This bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.
As part of the New Pamban Bridge inauguration, the Prime Minister also flagged off the inaugural special of Rameswaram–Tambaram Express, enhancing rail connectivity between the sacred town of Rameswaram and Chennai’s Tambaram.
The Rameswaram–Tambaram Express will connect key destinations across Tamil Nadu, linking Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, Paramakudi, Manamadurai, Sivaganga, Karaikudi, Aranthangi, Pattukkottai, Thiruthuraipoondi, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Chidambaram, Tiruppadiripuliyur, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Tambaram.
This route enhances accessibility between southern and northern Tamil Nadu, catering to pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters.
Apart from the new Pamban Bridge, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several transformative road projects in Tamil Nadu including Foundation Stone laid for 4 Laning of Walajahpet / Ranipet - Tamil Nadu / Andhra Pradesh Border Section of NH-40 and dedicated to the Nation road projects that included 4 Laned Viluppuram - Puducherry Section of NH-332, four- Laned Poondiyankuppam - Sattanathapuram Section of NH-32, 4-laned Cholapuram -Thanjavur Section of NH-36.
These road projects executed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), will significantly contribute to the economic and infrastructural advancement of Tamil Nadu, fostering improved connectivity, tourism, and regional development.
It may be recalled that senior Southern Railway officials had on December 27, 2024 said the newly built Pamban Bridge across the sea connecting Mandapam and Rameswaram was 100 per cent ready for operation.
They told a group of visiting media contingent from Chennai who were taken to the Pamban Bridge to demonstrate the Vertical Lift Span, which was one of its kind in the country, that allowed ships to pass through, and the ongoing developmental works at the Mandapam Railway Station.
The new Pamban Bridge had earlier got the Commissioner of Railway Safety's (CRS) nod after addressing all the issues including signs of corrosion.
"The new Pamban bridge is 100 per cent ready for operations", they said.
Like the old bridge, the new bridge will also withstand for 100 years and permission has been accorded to operate trains with a speed of 75 kmph, they said.
Later, periodic inspections were held and trial run was also conducted ahead Mr Modi's visit over the last couple of days.
The new Pamban Bridge is a 2,078 meters (2.08 Km) long vertical lift sea bridge that is built parallel to the existing old Pamban Bridge at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
This structure is India's first vertical lift sea bridge.
The new bridge has 100 spans across the sea, 99 of which are of 18.3 meters length and one of which (the main span) is 72.5 meters.
The officials said the new bridge is three meters higher than the existing bridge. Substructure has been constructed for two Tracks to accommodate future doubling and superstructure is being provided for Single line.
Southern Railway worked in coordination with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) which is the executing agency for the construction of New Pamban Bridge.
The objective is to construct a new Pamban bridge with Navigational Lift Span.
It was located in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu and the new Pamban Bridge will connect Rameswaram island with the Mainland.
The Reconstruction of Pamban Bridge was sanctioned under Supplementary demands for Grants 2018-19 on February 20, 2019.
The sanctioned cost was Rs.280 crores and the actual cost resulted in Rs.580 crores.
