National: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s groundbreaking vertical lift sea bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development.
This new rail link, known as the Pamban Bridge, establishes seamless connectivity between the mainland and the spiritually significant Rameswaram island. The inauguration, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, adds a layer of cultural and religious importance to the event.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore, the 2.08-kilometer-long structure boasts 99 spans and a remarkable 72.5-meter vertical lift span. This innovative feature, capable of lifting to a height of 17 meters, allows large ships to navigate the Palk Strait without interrupting rail traffic.
The bridge’s design incorporates advanced engineering techniques, including stainless steel reinforcements, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, ensuring its durability and minimizing maintenance requirements. Moreover, it is designed to accommodate dual rail tracks, anticipating future traffic demands.
The Prime Minister remotely activated the vertical lift mechanism and flagged off the inaugural special of the Rameswaram-Tambaram Express, alongside the commissioning of a Coast Guard ship, signifying the official opening of the New Pamban Bridge and its unique vertical lift span, a first-of-its-kind in India.
The location carries deep historical and spiritual significance, aligning with the Ramayana’s narrative of the Ram Setu’s construction beginning from Dhanushkodi.
Following the bridge’s inauguration, Prime Minister Modi visited the world-famous Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, offering prayers. Subsequently, he addressed a public gathering, where he officially dedicated the Pamban Bridge and several National Highway Projects to the nation. The official events commenced with the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Ramanathaswamy temple at approximately 12:45 pm for darshan and pooja. Later, around 1:30 pm, he laid the foundation stone and dedicated rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu.
The original Pamban Bridge, built by British engineers in 1914, featuring a Scherzer Rolling Lift span, served the region for over a century, facilitating travel for pilgrims, tourists, and traders. In 2019, the Indian government approved the construction of this modern replacement, ensuring continued and enhanced connectivity for the future.
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