Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram today on the occasion of Ram Navami. The rail bridge, known as Pamban, has been built at a cost of Rs 550 crore.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was seen with PM Modi at the inauguration while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was missing from the scene.
PM Modi inaugurated the Pamban Bridge after concluding his three-day trip to Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister posted on his X account about witnessing Ram Setu at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya on the occasion of Ram Navami, calling it a “divine coincidence.”
Rooted in mythology, the bridge holds deep spiritual significance, as the Ramayana recounts the construction of Ram Setu beginning from Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram.
Connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 550 crore. The 2.08-km-long structure features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that elevates to 17 metres, enabling the smooth passage of large ships without disrupting train services.
Designed to be future-ready, the bridge incorporates stainless steel reinforcements, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints for enhanced durability and reduced maintenance. It is also equipped for dual rail tracks, anticipating future traffic needs. A special polysiloxane coating guards it against corrosion, ensuring a long service life in the challenging marine environment.
The original Pamban Bridge, constructed in 1914 by British engineers, was a cantilever structure featuring a Scherzer Rolling Lift span. For over a century, it served as a crucial link for pilgrims, tourists, and traders travelling to and from Rameswaram Island.
In 2019, the Indian government approved the construction of a modern replacement.
Executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the project navigated significant challenges—from environmental constraints and logistical hurdles to the rough waters and strong winds of the Palk Strait.
