India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge — The New Pamban Bridge

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Modi to Inaugurate New Pamban Bridge on Ram Navami

By TRH News Desk

Rameswaram, April 4: In a landmark moment for India’s infrastructure journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge during his visit to Tamil Nadu. The bridge will be unveiled on the occasion of Ram Navami.

Touted as India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, this 2.07-kilometre engineering marvel across the Palk Strait seamlessly blends heritage with innovation. The New Pamban Bridge stands beside history, replacing the iconic 1914 British-era cantilever bridge, known for its Scherzer Rolling Lift span.

For over a century, the original Pamban Bridge served as a vital link between Rameswaram Island and mainland India — a lifeline for pilgrims, tourists, and traders. But with age, growing transportation needs, and environmental wear, the time had come for a future-ready replacement.

In 2019, the Government of India greenlit the project, and now, a new benchmark in maritime harmony and engineering brilliance rises from the sea.

The PIB in a feature quoted Prime Minister Modi, saying that the bridge is “a testament to India’s engineering prowess”. Ahead of the inauguration, Prime Minister emphasized the national significance of the project: “The New Pamban Bridge is more than just infrastructure. It is a symbol of our nation’s engineering prowess, a tribute to our heritage, and a leap into the future of connectivity.”

Key Features of the New Pamban Bridge

Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the New Pamban Bridge boasts state-of-the-art features:

Vertical Lift Span: A 72.5-meter navigational span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the seamless passage of large vessels beneath.
Structural Innovation: The bridge is built 3 meters higher than its predecessor, improving sea navigation and safety.
Dual-Track Ready: While currently fitted for a single railway line, the substructure can accommodate a second track in the future.
Longevity Guaranteed: With stainless steel reinforcements, modern welding techniques, and corrosion-resistant polysiloxane coatings, the bridge is designed for over 100 years of service with minimal maintenance.

Overcoming the Odds: A Story of Grit and Innovation

The construction of the New Pamban Bridge was far from easy. “Engineers battled harsh marine conditions, strong winds, and logistical hurdles — including the need to transport heavy materials to a remote site during narrow tidal windows,” said a senior official. The region’s vulnerability to cyclones and seismic activity required careful, resilient planning.

Despite the challenges, over 1,400 tons of fabrication, the launching of 99 girders, and complex electrification and track laying at sea were completed without a single injury, a remarkable feat in modern construction.

“While deeply rooted in Indian soil, the New Pamban Bridge draws comparisons with iconic global structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge (USA), Tower Bridge (UK), and the Oresund Bridge (Denmark-Sweden),’ added the official.

The Railways said in a statement that “like these international marvels, Pamban represents the pinnacle of engineering — but with its unique vertical lift mechanism and tropical marine challenges, it carves a place all its own”.

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