• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban rail bridge and flagged off Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service on April 6.

• This is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, allowing big ships to sail underneath while enabling faster train travel. 

• PM Modi flagged off a Coast Guard ship that sailed under the bridge and also laid foundation stone for and dedicated to the nation various rail and road projects totally worth over Rs 8,300 crore.

• The new rail bridge linking Rameswaram to the mainland is built at a cost of over Rs 700 crore. It is 2.08 km in length, features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises up to a height of 17 metres, facilitating smooth movement of ships while ensuring seamless train operations.

• Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, the bridge boasts increased durability and reduced maintenance needs. 

• It is designed for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands.

The need for a new bridge

• Rooted in history, its story traces back to 1914 when British engineers constructed the original Pamban Bridge, a cantilever (a long piece of metal or wood that extends from a wall to support the end of a bridge) structure with a Scherzer Rolling Lift span to connect Rameswaram Island with mainland India.

• For over a century, it served as a critical lifeline for pilgrims, tourists, and trade. However, the harsh marine environment and growing transportation demands necessitated a modern solution.

• The increasing volume of traffic, coupled with the need for faster and safer connectivity prompted the government to envision a new structure that would be technologically advanced, durable, and future-ready.

• The New Pamban Bridge was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways.

• Given the region’s seismic activity, cyclones, and marine corrosion, a resilient, technologically advanced replacement was essential. 

• The Palk Strait’s turbulent waters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather patterns created difficulties in the construction process.

• RVNL led the project ensuring it met higher speed, load, and maritime requirements. This new bridge enhances connectivity while showcasing India's infrastructure capabilities in safety, durability, and innovation.

• The new bridge is 2.08-kilometre-long spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu.

Key features of the new Pamban Rail Bridge:

i) The 72.5-meter navigational span can be lifted up to 17 meters, allowing larger ships to pass underneath.

ii) The new bridge is 3 meters higher than the existing one, improving sea connectivity.

iii) The substructure is designed for two tracks, with the superstructure initially accommodating a single line.

iv) The use of modern materials and engineering techniques will ensure the bridge’s longevity.

v) The bridge has been constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints.

vi) Special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.

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