The inauguration is expected soon after PM Modi returns from his two-day visit to Sri Lanka on April 4-5. Constructed at a cost of Rs 535 crore, this ambitious engineering project was executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
Spanning just over two kilometres, the bridge replaces the old 1914-built bridge, which had become severely corroded after over a century of service and was closed in 2022.
This new bridge is expected to enhance rail connectivity to Rameswaram, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, associated with the legend of Lord Ram’s bridge to Lanka as told in the Ramayana.
What makes the new bridge unique?
The new Pamban bridge comes with several upgrades that set it apart from the old structure. Railway Minister Vaishnaw highlighted these features in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
- Vertical lift span: Unlike the old manual Scherzer lift, the new bridge features a fully automated vertical lift span, allowing for smoother operation.
- Increased air clearance: The new bridge offers a safer 22-meter air clearance for ships, an improvement over the previous 19-meter clearance.
- Double tracks & electrification: Designed to accommodate high-speed trains, the bridge supports modern rail systems with dual tracks and electrification.
- Stronger design: The bridge spans two kilometers, featuring 100 spans, including a 73-meter navigational span to allow marine traffic to pass through.
Rameswaram, which attracts over 25 lakh pilgrims annually, will see a significant boost in tourism and pilgrimage with the completion of this bridge.
The inauguration on Ram Navami holds substantial symbolic importance, especially given the ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over issues like language and pending delimitation.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Modi in November 2019, with construction commencing shortly thereafter, marking a new chapter in enhancing infrastructure for the region.
(With TOI and PTI inputs)
