In a momentous event set to coincide with Ram Navami on April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Bharat’s first vertical sea bridge, the new Pamban railway bridge in Tamil Nadu. The bridge, a marvel of modern engineering, will significantly enhance rail connectivity to Rameswaram, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in Sanatan Dharma. Additionally, the Prime Minister will offer prayers at the revered Ramanathaswamy Mandir, adding profound religious significance to the occasion.
This event marks a historic infrastructure milestone as the new Pamban bridge replaces the over-century-old British-era structure, which succumbed to corrosion and was decommissioned in 2022. The 2.1-km-long bridge, featuring a 72.5-metre vertical lift span, is expected to accommodate higher maritime traffic while ensuring seamless railway operations between Rameswaram and mainland Tamil Nadu.
The inauguration is not just an infrastructure upgrade but carries strong symbolic importance. April 6, the day of the event, is celebrated as Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Ram. According to Hindu belief, Rameswaram is where Bhagwan Ram and his army built the legendary ‘Ram Setu’ to Lanka to rescue Goddess Sita from Ravana. With PM Modi’s visit to the Ramanathaswamy Mandir, the moment is expected to resonate deeply with devotees and cultural enthusiasts.
The new Pamban bridge is a first-of-its-kind vertical sea bridge in Bharat, designed to replace the 1914-built Pamban Bridge, which was Bharat’s first sea bridge. The old bridge played a crucial role in connecting Rameswaram Island to the mainland, serving as a lifeline for pilgrims, traders, and locals for over a century. However, due to severe corrosion and structural weakening, it was shut down in 2022.
The new bridge is a technological advancement aimed at boosting maritime navigation and railway operations. Some of its key features include:
- 99 spans with a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can be raised for ships to pass.
- 3 metres taller than the previous structure, offering better clearance for vessels.
- Increased capacity, initially handling up to 12 trains daily, with scope for expansion.
- Maximum train speed of 75 km/h, ensuring faster and smoother connectivity.
The Rs 540-crore project was commissioned in February 2019, with construction beginning in early 2020. Despite delays due to pandemic-related challenges, the bridge was completed in November 2024 and is now set for its grand inauguration.
With Prime Minister Modi presiding over the event, extensive security arrangements and logistical inspections have been conducted over the past few weeks. Senior officials from Southern Railway, led by Additional General Manager (AGM) Kaushal Kishore, along with Madurai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sharad Srivastava, have inspected key locations in Rameswaram and Pamban.
Following inspections, a high-level security meeting was chaired by Kishore, bringing together railway authorities, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies to finalize security protocols, crowd control measures, and event logistics. The inauguration of the new Pamban bridge is expected to revolutionise tourism, pilgrimage, and trade in Tamil Nadu. Every year, over 25 lakh pilgrims visit Rameswaram, and improved rail connectivity is set to enhance their travel experience, boosting the local economy and religious tourism.
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