<p>Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service here.</p><p>The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship which passed under the bridge.</p><p>The bridge is all set to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.</p><p>Spanning 2.08 kilometers, the bridge comprises 99 spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations.</p>. <p>The bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements.</p><p>Its foundation is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps, designed for dual rail tracks and future expansion. The use of polysiloxane paint protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment. This bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.</p><p>Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, TN Governor R N Ravi, state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, among others were present.</p><p>On his arrival from Sri Lanka, Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Ravi, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Union Minister of state, L Murugan, BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai, senior BJP leaders including H Raja and Vanathi Srinivasan.</p>
<p>Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service here.</p><p>The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship which passed under the bridge.</p><p>The bridge is all set to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.</p><p>Spanning 2.08 kilometers, the bridge comprises 99 spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations.</p>. <p>The bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements.</p><p>Its foundation is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps, designed for dual rail tracks and future expansion. The use of polysiloxane paint protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment. This bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.</p><p>Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, TN Governor R N Ravi, state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, among others were present.</p><p>On his arrival from Sri Lanka, Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Ravi, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Union Minister of state, L Murugan, BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai, senior BJP leaders including H Raja and Vanathi Srinivasan.</p>