Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s first vertical lift Pamban railway bridge today on April 6, coinciding with Ram Navami. This bridge connects Rameswaram Island to Mandapam in Tamil Nadu and symbolizes advanced technology, self-reliance, and efficient transportation. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked that the Pamban Bridge is a significant addition to railway history, representing a remarkable architectural achievement linked to Tamil culture and heritage.
Costing approximately ₹535 crore, the new bridge is set to replace the old structure, which suffered from corrosion. Spanning 2.08 kilometers over the sea, it stands three meters taller than its predecessor, facilitating the passage of smaller ships. The design includes 99 spans of 18.3 meters and features a vertical lift span in the center measuring 72.5 meters, which can be raised up to 17 meters to accommodate larger vessels.
Situated over the Gulf of Mannar, the bridge serves both traffic and boasts considerable historical and mythological significance. It uses modern technology to enhance Indian Railways, promising to boost future tourism and trade through maritime routes. The structure is robustly designed with a strong foundation comprising 333 piles and 101 pile caps for dual railway tracks, supporting heavy freight and semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat.
Moreover, the construction has factored in environmental challenges such as sea storms, strong winds, and tidal effects. Utilization of polysiloxane paint, stainless steel, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) is intended to preserve its durability against the corrosive marine environment for an extended period. In summary, the Pamban railway bridge stands as a testament to engineering excellence and is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing transportation in the region.
The Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge, commenced construction in 1911 and was inaugurated in 1914, serving as the country’s sole sea bridge and holding the title of the longest until the Bandra-Worli Sea Link opened in 2010. Over its 106 years of operation, it weathered numerous challenges, including the significant damage caused by a cyclonic storm in 1964, yet it remained a steadfast symbol of resilience.
As India entered the 21st century, evolving transportation needs necessitated a new structure capable of accommodating modern trains and large sea vessels, leading to the groundbreaking of a new bridge in 2019, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to swift advancements in technology and construction processes, this new bridge was completed in just four years.
The Pamban Bridge holds religious significance, connecting the sacred island of Rameswaram to the mainland, a site deeply associated with Lord Ram and Lord Shiva. The vicinity houses the Rameswaram Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that before launching his attack on Lanka, Lord Ram established this Jyotirlinga and worshipped Shiva.
The route via the Pamban Bridge is integral to Lord Ram’s legendary journey to Lanka, enhancing its religious importance. According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram and his army constructed the Ram Setu to reach Lanka, aligning with the present-day location of the Pamban Bridge.
Thus, the newly constructed Pamban Bridge is set to facilitate pilgrimage to Rameswaram, enabling devotees to visit the sacred sites associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Ram with greater ease and safety, thanks to its modern engineering and design.