Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India's first modern vertical lift Pamban Bridge, built over the sea in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
Pamban Bridge: On the sacred occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India's first and only modern vertical lift sea bridge, the Pamban Railway Bridge, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. This bridge is a marvel of marine engineering, connecting the Indian mainland to the sacred Rameshwaram island, one of the four Char Dhams.
A Marvel of Engineering Over the Sea
Built at a cost of approximately ₹535 crore, this state-of-the-art Pamban Bridge replaces the over 100-year-old dilapidated bridge. It utilizes vertical lift technology, allowing a section of the bridge to be raised to allow ships and boats to pass easily. This will facilitate better coordination between rail and sea transport.
Approved by the Ministry of Railways in February 2019, the bridge is now fully capable of handling broad-gauge trains and can withstand harsh conditions such as cyclones, high winds, and saltwater.
PM Modi to Flag Off New Train Service and Vessel
During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi will flag off a new train service between Rameshwaram and Tambaram (Chennai) and a passenger vessel. He will subsequently visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple for darshan and prayers.
₹8,300 Crore Infrastructure Projects for Tamil Nadu
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. These include:
1. Four-laning of the 28 km long Walajapet–Ranipet section of NH-40
2. The 29 km long Viluppuram–Puducherry section of NH-332
3. The 57 km long Poondian kuppam–Sathanur section of NH-32
4. The 48 km long Cholapuram–Thanjavur section of NH-36
These highways will improve connectivity to pilgrimage sites, tourist destinations, medical colleges, ports, and markets. Furthermore, they will encourage economic activities of local farmers, leather industries, and small-scale industries.
Strategic Importance of the Pamban Bridge
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the new Pamban Bridge is a landmark achievement in Indian Railways infrastructure. It will ensure safer, faster, and more durable railway transport and reflects the government's commitment to modernization and coastal development. The previous bridge, built in 1914 for meter-gauge trains, was strengthened for broad gauge in 2007. However, age-related corrosion and technological limitations necessitated its replacement.
Why the Pamban Bridge is Special from a Global Perspective
1. India's first vertical lift design bridge.
2. Plays a crucial role in integrating rail and sea transport.
3. Easier access to a UNESCO-nominated heritage site.
4. Boosting eco-tourism and pilgrimage in South India.
