In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge on April 6, 2025, coinciding with Ram Navami. The bridge connects Mandapam (mainland Tamil Nadu) to Rameswaram Island, replacing the century-old Pamban bridge.

Key Highlights:

• Total Project Cost: ?531 crore
• Constructed by:Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
• Bridge Type:Vertical-lift railway bridge – thefirst of its kind in India
• Total Length:2.2 km
• Lift Span:72 metres, enabling automated vertical clearance for ships
• Technology: Fully automated lift mechanism (unlike manual operation in the old bridge)
• Materials: Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials for improved longevity
• Sustainability:Solar-compatible design for future energy efficiency

Significance:

• Enhances rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a major religious and tourist destination.
• Improves maritime navigation safety by enabling faster ship movement through the lift span.
• Strengthens coastal infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, supporting economic and strategic interests.

Old Pamban Bridge (1914–2022): A Legacy

• Inaugurated: 1914 by British India (under Madras Railway)
• Length: 2.065 km with 143 piers
• Mechanism:Double-leaf bascule (Scherzer lift) manually operated for ship passage
• Structure Height: 12.5 m above sea level
• Distinction: India’s first sea bridge; remained operational for over 108 years
• Reason for Closure: Severe corrosion led to decommissioning in 2022

Safety and Commissioning Notes:

• The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) conducted a statutory inspection in November 2024.
• CRS had flagged structural and planning lapses; rectification was completed before inauguration.
• Parts of the old bridge will be preserved due to its historical value, though full relocation is not feasible.

Additional Developments:

• New Train Flagged Off: PM Modi flagged a new train service between Tambaram and Rameswaram.
• Rameswaram Station Redevelopment: Work is underway and expected to be completed by September 2025.