Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared breathtaking visuals of the new Pamban Bridge, which will connect Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to the mainland.
The bridge will replace the existing 2km-long sea bridge, which was opened in 1914. It was severely damaged by a cyclone in 1964 and was fixed at the time. Rail traffic on the old Pamban bridge was suspended in December 2022 after cracks were noticed.
Vaishnaw took to X on Friday to share stunning visuals and details of the engineering marvel. This comes days after the Railway Safety Commissioner flagged ‘glaring lapses’ regarding the construction of the ambitious bridge between Mandapam and Pamban stations. In response to these concerns, the Railway Board has constituted a five-member special committee to probe the lapses.
Here are all the details about the bridge that the minister has shared:
1: India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge!
The New Pamban Bridge connects the Indian mainland to Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art project is a significant upgrade, designed for speed, safety and innovation.
2: A journey through time
- Built in 1914, the old Pamban Rail Bridge connected the mainland to Rameswaram for 105 years.
- Decommissioned in Dec 2022 due to corrosion, it paved the way for the modern New Pamban Bridge, marking a new era of connectivity!
3: How the new Pamban bridge is different from the old one
Old Bridge (1914):
- Manual Scherzer rolling lift span for ship passage. 2 workers at each side to lift using levers.
- Air clearance: 19m above sea level.
- Single track
- Corroded structure, low-speed trains.
New Bridge (2024):
- Vertical lift span, fully automated.
- Air clearance: 22m above sea level (safer for ships).
- Designed for double tracks and electrification.
- High-speed train compatibility, modern design.
4: Engineering brilliance
- Stretching over 2.05 km, the bridge is built at a cost of ?535 crores by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). It’s designed to handle faster trains and increased traffic.
- 100 spans, of which 99 are 18.3m long
- A 73m navigational span for marine traffic
5: Current status
- Construction: Complete.
- Lift span: Tested multiple times.
- Next: Safety inspections by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS).
6: When can we see it in action?
The inauguration is expected soon, and trains will glide over this sea bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mannar. ??
7: A boost for Rameswaram
- The new #PambanBridge, coupled with the upgraded Rameswaram Railway Station (under construction), will enhance tourism, trade, and connectivity for this historic island.
- Redevelopment work under #AmritBharatStations scheme progressing fast!
- Estimated cost: Rs 90 crore
8: A sight to behold
The New Pamban Bridge is not just functional - it's a symbol of progress, connecting people and places with modern engineering.
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