Connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the new vertical lift bridge boosts maritime navigation and symbolizes a major leap in India’s infrastructure.
April 5, 2025: New Delhi: India is all set to unveil its first-ever vertical lift sea bridge — the new Pamban Bridge — on April 6, Ram Navami, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the engineering marvel in Tamil Nadu.
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The 2.07 km-long bridge spans the Palk Strait, linking Rameswaram Island to the Indian mainland. Designed to replace the century-old cantilever Pamban bridge built in 1914, this new structure promises enhanced capacity, durability, and better maritime traffic management.
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Commissioned in 2019 and executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the bridge is a leap in both connectivity and engineering innovation, especially vital for the strategic southern region of India.
Key Features of the New Pamban Bridge:
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- Vertical Lift Span: A 72.5-meter span can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing large vessels to pass beneath.
- Improved Height: The bridge stands 3 meters higher than the old structure to ease sea traffic.
- Durability: Built with stainless steel reinforcements, corrosion-resistant coatings, and high-grade protective paints.
- Modern Design: While the substructure is built to accommodate double tracks, the current superstructure supports a single railway line.
Why the New Bridge Was Needed:
The original Pamban Bridge had become outdated, unable to handle modern train loads and maritime requirements. The new bridge ensures faster rail connectivity, heavier traffic handling, and safe ship movement — essential for tourism, trade, and defense logistics.
Engineering & Construction Innovations:
- Utilized Auto Launching Method and hydraulic jacks to install the lift span.
- Employed launching girders and counterweights to move components with precision.
- Tackled harsh marine conditions, cyclonic winds, and seismic risks during construction.
Significance & Impact:
This landmark bridge places India among global infrastructure leaders, joining the ranks of iconic structures like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and London’s Tower Bridge. Designed to last over 100 years, the new Pamban Bridge is a proud testament to India’s engineering resilience and vision for the future.
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Pamban Bridge, vertical lift sea bridge, PM Modi inauguration, Rameswaram connectivity, Indian Railways infrastructure, RVNL, Tamil Nadu news, Ram Navami 2025, sea bridge India, new railway bridge, engineering marvel India, Palk Strait bridge