In a significant event slated for April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, to mark the occasion of Ram Navmi with prayers at the revered Ramanathswamy Temple. Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the newly constructed Pamban Bridge, a modern engineering marvel set to replace the century-old structure that once connected the mainland to this sacred island.
The new Pamban Bridge is a project hailed as a milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
The new Pamban Bridge, stretching over 2.5 kilometers, has been constructed at a cost of INR 535 crore by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). It succeeds the original Pamban Rail Bridge, a historic structure built in 1914 that served as a vital link between mainland India and Rameshwaram for 105 years. The old bridge, however, was decommissioned in December 2022 after severe corrosion rendered it unsafe, prompting the need for a modern replacement.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the new bridge as “India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.” As per reports, the new Pamban Bridge is engineered to accommodate faster trains and increased traffic, ensuring enhanced connectivity for the region.
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The old Pamban Bridge, an iconic cantilever structure, had long been a testament to early 20th-century engineering. However, after more than a century of exposure to the harsh marine environment, its closure in 2022 marked the end of an era. The new bridge, with its vertical lift mechanism, promises greater durability and efficiency, aligning with India’s push for modernized rail networks.
Railway officials and local leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to streamline travel and transport. Rameshwaram, an island steeped in mythology and history, stands to benefit from improved access, boosting tourism and local economies while preserving its sanctity.
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As the date approaches, preparations are underway in Rameshwaram to welcome Prime Minister Modi and celebrate the dual highlights of Ram Navmi and the bridge’s opening. The new Pamban Bridge, with its towering presence over the Palk Strait, is on its way to become one of the most unique features for the coastal town of Rameshwaram.
