Rameswaram's new Pamban bridge: Six salient features of this modern engineering structure

The new Pamban bridge spans 2.08 kilometers(2,078 meters) and features 99 spans of 18.3 meters each, with a single 72.5 meter vertical liftspan for maritime navigation. Standing 3 meters taller than its predecessor, it provides greater clearnace for larger vessels.

The new Pamban bridge's foundation is built with 333 piles and 101 piles caps, designed to accommodate two tracks and future-proof the structure for increased rail traffic.

The substructure, including pile foundations and pile caps, was completed ahead of schedule.

A successful trial run over the 1.5-kilometer section from the Mandapam End was conducted to verify the bridge's structural integrity.

The superstructure features fully welded box sections, eliminating splice joints in the approach spans.

At the heart of the bridge is its vertical lift span, a 72.5-meter section that can be raised to allow ships to pass underneath. This feature, a first in India, exemplifies modern engineering solutions tailored to the needs of maritime traffic