Pamban Bridge with Vertical Lift Set to Redefine Connectivity, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Reveals ₹535 Crore Plan
Pamban Bridge: India is all set to celebrate a new milestone in modern engineering with the New Pamban Bridge, which connects the mainland to Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art sea bridge has been the talk of the town, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sharing updates through his social media handle. The bridge is a remarkable achievement for Indian Railways, showcasing advanced technology and a futuristic design.
A Bridge Like No Other
The New Pamban Bridge stands tall as India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Stretching over 2.05 kilometers, this marvel has been constructed at a cost of ₹535 crores by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). It’s not just a bridge; it’s a symbol of innovation and modernity, designed for speed, safety, and enhanced functionality.
From 1914 to 2024: A Journey Through Time
The original Pamban Rail Bridge, completed in 1914, served as a crucial link between the mainland and Rameswaram for over 105 years. This manually operated bridge, with its Scherzer rolling lift span, was an engineering marvel of its era. However, due to corrosion and structural wear, it was decommissioned in December 2022. Its replacement, the New Pamban Bridge, represents a new chapter in connectivity and progress.
How the New Pamban Bridge Stands Out
The transformation from the old bridge to the new one is evident in its features:
Automated Vertical Lift Span: Unlike the manually operated span of the old bridge, the new lift span operates automatically, ensuring smooth passage for ships.
Higher Clearance for Marine Traffic: With an air clearance of 22 meters above sea level, it provides safer navigation compared to the previous bridge’s 19 meters.
Double Tracks and Electrification: The new design accommodates high-speed trains and future electrification, making it more efficient.
Enhanced Structure: It includes 100 spans, with a 73-meter navigational span, offering durability and better load handling.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
This bridge is not just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a catalyst for economic growth. Along with the redevelopment of the Rameswaram Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme, the region is set to attract more tourists and improve trade. The railway station, being modernized at an estimated cost of ₹90 crores, will complement the connectivity provided by the new bridge.
What’s Next?
With construction completed and lift span tests conducted successfully, the New Pamban Bridge is nearing its operational phase. The final step involves safety inspections by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS). Once inaugurated, it will offer scenic train rides across the Gulf of Mannar, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences.
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