Chennai ,April 6, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban bridge at Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
He operated the vertical lift span of New Pamban Rail Bridge with a remote device while a Coast Guard ship passed under the vertical lift span.
The newly inaugurated Pamban bridge is the country’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.
Prime Minister also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai, further enhancing regional connectivity.
While Chief Minister Stalin is not present in the function due to his programmes at Nilgiris ,Tami Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thennarasu, BJP leaders K. Annamalai, Sudakar Reddy, H. Raja, Nainar Nagenthiran, Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, among others were present during the inauguration.
Narendra Modi in a post on social media platform,’X’ said,” On the way back from Sri Lanka a short while ago, was blessed to have a Darshan of the Ram Setu. And, as a divine coincidence, it happened at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya. Blessed to have the Darshan of both. Prabhu Shri Ram is a uniting force for all of us. May His blessings always remain upon us.”
The 2.08-kilometre-long bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore, boasts 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift section capable of rising up to 17 metres. Designed with provisions for dual rail tracks to meet future demands, the bridge is a feat of indigenous engineering.
A standout feature of the new Pamban Bridge is its vertical lift span, weighing 660 metric tons. This structure can be elevated vertically to allow the passage of ships beneath—an innovation developed entirely using Indian technology.
The bridge is expected to significantly boost connectivity to Rameswaram, a revered pilgrimage destination, enhancing travel convenience for thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
Preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit have been underway for weeks. On March 22, a high-level team led by Additional General Manager Kaushal Kishore conducted an extensive inspection of key sites in Rameswaram and Pamban.
The team, which included Madurai Divisional Railway Manager Sharad Srivastava and other senior officials, reviewed critical infrastructure and logistical arrangements at locations such as the Ramanathaswamy temple premises, Mandapam camp helipad, Kunthukal, Mandapam railway station, and the Pamban road bridge.
Following the inspections, a high-level review meeting was held involving top railway officials, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence personnel to ensure a smooth and secure inauguration event.
The Indian Railways, in a statement released on April 5, said: “Bridging the past, lifting the new, Pamban stands tall with a breathtaking view. This Ram Navami, witness the unveiling of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.”
The statement added that the bridge not only connects Rameswaram to the mainland but also symbolises Indian engineering excellence on the global stage.
