Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge – India’s First Vertically Lifting Bridge

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban Bridge on April 6, the day of Ram Navami. The new 2.5 km long bridge, which will replace the old structure, will significantly reduce travel time between mainland India and the island of Rameswaram.
On April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the new Pamban Bridge, which will be the first vertically lifting bridge in India. Modi will also participate in prayers at the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to mark the Ram Navami festival.

The new 2.5 km long bridge will greatly improve transportation between mainland India and the island of Rameswaram. Trains will be able to cross the bridge in less than 5 minutes, while the existing bridge takes 25-30 minutes.

Replacing the Old Structure and Modernizing Infrastructure

The new Pamban Bridge will replace the old structure, built during the colonial period in 1914, which was closed in 2022 due to corrosion issues. The construction of the new bridge was carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at a cost of 535 crore rupees.
Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously stated that the new bridge is designed to ensure faster train movement and an increased flow of passengers and goods. "The new Pamban Bridge is not just a functional structure, but a symbol of progress, connecting people and places through modern engineering," Vaishnaw noted in his social media post.

Technical Features and Safety

The new bridge has received all necessary safety certifications after a series of tests. It is important to note that the bridge has a speed limit: 75 km/h for regular sections and 50 km/h for the vertical lifting portion. This speed limit is due to the curvature of the bridge’s design, explained N. Srinivasan, Senior Deputy General Manager of RVNL.

The bridge will lift using an electromechanical system that takes only 5 minutes to raise. This process can be operated by a single person, making the system more convenient and efficient.

The Bridge's Future and Its Significance for the Region

The Pamban Bridge will not only improve transportation links but will also become a symbol of the region's development, providing faster movement for both passengers and goods. It is expected that the opening of the new bridge will also boost tourism and improve economic ties between mainland India and the island of Rameswaram.

By inaugurating the new bridge, Prime Minister Modi will reaffirm the government's commitment to modernizing the country's infrastructure and developing the railway sector, which is crucial for the economic growth and prosperity of the region. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”