Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge, on April 6, coinciding with Ram Navami. The bridge will connect Rameswaram Island to mainland Tamil Nadu, marking a major milestone in railway infrastructure.
A Modern Engineering Marvel
The 2.1-km-long bridge, built at a cost of ₹580 crore, is a technological upgrade over the 104-year-old Pamban Bridge. Unlike its predecessor, which relied on a manual cantilever system, the New Pamban Bridge features a vertical lift span of 72 meters, enabling ships to pass below with ease.
aster and More Efficient
Earlier, train services had to be halted for over an hour to allow ship movement. Now, with electro-mechanical technology, the lifting process takes just 10 minutes. The bridge has been designed to accommodate double tracks and allow trains to run at speeds of 75 kmph.
Enhanced Safety and Monitoring
The lifting mechanism is controlled from a 34-meter-high tower, and the entire operation is monitored via CCTV cameras. A siren alerts workers before the bridge is lifted or lowered, ensuring smooth and safe operations.
Inspired by Global Icons
The New Pamban Bridge draws inspiration from the Tower Bridge in London. Built with 5,800 metric tonnes of stainless steel and 3,40,000 cement bags, it is designed for long-term durability and growing rail traffic demands.
Strengthening Connectivity
With 101 piers and a 3-meter taller structure than the old bridge, the New Pamban Bridge will restore seamless passenger and freight rail connectivity to Rameswaram. The bridge is a testament to India’s commitment to modern infrastructure and efficient maritime navigation.
