PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu | Madurai News
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned the new Pamban Rail Bridge in Rameswaram — India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge — marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. The bridge re-establishes rail connectivity between the mainland and the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram.
Modi arrived at Mandapam via helicopter and reached the inauguration venue on the Pamban Road Bridge. A special train, decorated for the occasion, crossed the new rail bridge as Modi waved the green flag.
Moments later, the vertical lift span was elevated to allow a decked-up Indian Coast Guard vessel to ceremonially sail through, showcasing the bridge’s dual-function engineering marvel.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by PM Modi in 2019 after structural concerns emerged over the existing 100-year-old Pamban Bridge. By December 2022, rail traffic on the old bridge was halted following a red alert triggered by sensors installed to monitor its structural health. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), entrusted with the ₹531 crore project, completed construction by mid-2024 and conducted a series of rigorous tests.
In November 2024, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspected the bridge and granted approval for operations, subject to several technical recommendations. These were subsequently addressed by railway authorities, paving the way for the bridge’s formal commissioning on April 6, 2025.
The new 2.08-km-long sea bridge, which features 99 fixed spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span, can raise up to 17 meters to allow smooth maritime navigation. Designed to support dual rail tracks, the bridge includes stainless steel reinforcements, welded joints, and high-grade protective coatings for durability in a corrosive marine environment.
The bridge’s foundation rests on 333 piles and 101 piers or pile caps. It also features polysiloxane paint to safeguard against corrosion, ensuring a long service life. With modern engineering at its core, the bridge blends tradition and technology, enhancing access to one of India’s holiest destinations.
Present at the event were Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and other dignitaries.
PM Modi, who arrived from Sri Lanka earlier in the day, was welcomed by Union MoS L Murugan, BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai, and senior leaders including H Raja and Vanathi Srinivasan.
