On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram . This bridge, replacing a 110-year-old structure, is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge .
its significance:
- Improved Connectivity: The new Pamban Bridge provides a vital rail link between Rameswaram Island and the Indian mainland, facilitating easier commutes and boosting tourism to this spiritual destination .
- Engineering Marvel: Constructed at a cost of ₹535 crore, the bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that can rise up to 17 meters, allowing large ships to pass through without disrupting train services .
- Economic Impact: The bridge supports ease of doing business and travel, positively impacting the lives of many people . Projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore were dedicated to the nation, highlighting the Centre’s focus on infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu .
- Technological Advancement: The bridge is designed with stainless steel reinforcements, fully welded joints, high-grade protective paint, and a special polysiloxane coating to protect against corrosion, ensuring durability and reducing maintenance needs .
- Inaugural Events: During the inauguration, PM Modi remotely operated the vertical lift mechanism of the bridge and flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram Express and a Coast Guard ship .
- Historical Context: The original Pamban Bridge, built in 1914, was a vital connection for over a century. The new bridge is a modern replacement to meet increased transport demands and address the corrosion issues of the old structure .
