New Pamban Bridge: India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge to Be Inaugurated on April 6
India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the new Pamban Bridge, is set for inauguration on April 6 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Spanning 2.2 km over the Palk Strait, this engineering marvel will replace the century-old Scherzer rolling lift bridge, enabling faster and safer rail travel between Rameswaram and the mainland.
A Historic Milestone in Indian Railways Rameswaram is set to welcome a landmark in railway engineering as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new Pamban Bridge on April 6, Ram Navami. This 2.2 km-long vertical lift sea bridge replaces the century-old Scherzer rolling lift bridge, bringing faster, safer, and more efficient rail connectivity between Rameswaram and the mainland. The first-of-its-kind in India, the bridge will enhance travel for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike, opening new avenues for economic and tourism growth in the region. (Image: PTI)
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Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology With its cutting-edge vertical lift mechanism, the new Pamban Bridge stands 22 meters above sea level, allowing ships to pass seamlessly without disrupting train movement. It features an electro-mechanical interlocking system, ensuring that the lift operation is synchronized with railway traffic for maximum safety. Designed to withstand seismic activity and cyclonic storms, the bridge is an engineering marvel, making it a crucial link for travel and trade. (Image: PTI)
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Overcoming Challenges: A Feat of Engineering & Innovation Building a bridge over the turbulent Palk Strait came with numerous challenges. Strong winds, unpredictable tides, and extreme weather required meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology. Additionally, transporting heavy construction materials to the remote location had to be timed precisely with the tidal patterns. (Image: PTI)
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Faster Travel & Future-Ready Infrastructure Unlike the old bridge, which allowed only slow-moving trains (10 km/h), the new Pamban Bridge supports speeds up to 98 km/h, significantly reducing travel time and improving connectivity. Built with high-grade stainless steel reinforcement and corrosion-resistant polyciloxane painting, the bridge is designed to last over 35 years with minimal maintenance. With double-track provisions and future electrification, the bridge sets a new benchmark in Indian railway infrastructure. (Image: X/Southern Railways)
Then & Now: The Evolution of Pamban Bridge From the iconic Scherzer rolling lift bridge to India’s first vertical lift railway bridge, #PambanBridge has transformed while ensuring seamless rail & maritime movement. This historic upgrade marks a new era of rail travel in South India. (Image: X/Southern Railways)
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What Happens to the Old Pamban Bridge? After serving for over 100 years, the old Pamban Bridge was closed in December 2022 due to safety concerns. The Ministry of Railways has decided to demolish the structure, with removal work beginning in June. Since the bridge stands in the sea, its debris must be carefully cleared to avoid obstructing maritime routes. With this modern marvel now in place, Rameswaram is set to witness a tourism and economic boom, making rail travel to this sacred island smoother, faster, and more reliable than ever before. (Image: PTI) (With inputs from PTI)
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