PM Modi to inaugurate India's first vertical sea bridge worth Rs 535 cr in Rameswaram on April 6

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban bridge, India’s first vertical sea bridge, in Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Ram Navami on April 6.

This 2.2 km-long vertical lift sea bridge replaces the century-old Scherzer rolling lift bridge, bringing faster, safer, and more efficient rail connectivity between Rameswaram and the mainland.

First-of-its-kind in India, the bridge will enhance travel for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike, opening new avenues for economic and tourism growth in the region

Constructed at a cost of Rs 535 crore, this ambitious engineering project was executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Spanning just over two kilometres, the bridge replaces the old 1914-built bridge, which had become severely corroded after over a century of service and was closed in 2022.

This new bridge is expected to enhance rail connectivity to Rameswaram, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, associated with the legend of Lord Ram's bridge to Lanka as told in the Ramayana.

The new Pamban bridge comes with several upgrades that set it apart from the old structure. Railway Minister Vaishnaw highlighted these features in a post on X.

"The New Pamban Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development. 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, " the Railway Ministry said.

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. In 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the construction of a technologically advanced, future-ready replacement.

"The result is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, a 2.07-kilometre-long marvel spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu. Blending heritage with innovation, the New Pamban Bridge not only preserves the cultural and historical importance of the region but also marks a significant leap forward in design, connectivity, and regional development, " the statement said.

Key Features of the New Pamban Bridge:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Challenges:

The construction of the new Pamban Bridge presented numerous challenges, ranging from environmental obstacles to logistical complexities. The Palk Strait’s turbulent waters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather patterns created difficulties in the construction process. Additionally, the region’s susceptibility to cyclones and seismic activity necessitated careful planning and robust design.

Another significant challenge was managing logistics, particularly the transportation of heavy materials to the remote construction site. The team had to make the most of the narrow timeframes offered by tidal conditions to ensure timely delivery. Despite these obstacles, the engineers and workers demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, leveraging innovative solutions, advanced technology, and unwavering determination to overcome the difficulties and successfully complete the bridge.

Throughout the execution of the project; which involved over 1,400 tons of fabrication, the launching of lift spans and 99 girders, as well as track and electrification work carried out at sea, the entire operation was completed without a single injury.

India Making its Mark on Global Scale:

While the new Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, it shares similarities with other globally recognized bridges known for their technological advancements and unique designs. These include the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Tower Bridge in London and the Oresund Bridge in Denmark-Sweden. Each of these iconic structures, though different in design and functionality, represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence. Now, the new Pamban Bridge stands proudly in their company, combining cutting-edge technology with the challenges posed by India’s coastal and seismic conditions, the statement said.