The newly-constructed Pamban Rail Bridge, India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, is all set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6. This state-of-the-art infrastructure project replaces the iconic 1914 bridge and is set to transform connectivity between the mainland and Rameswaram Island.

The new Pamban Bridge spans 2.5 kilometres and is built at a cost of Rs 535 crore. Developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the bridge allows for seamless rail movement and maritime navigation.

The original Pamban Rail Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time, was commissioned in 1914. After its long service, it was decommissioned in December 2022 due to extensive corrosion and safety concerns. Its closure disrupted direct rail links to Rameswaram, impacting the travellers. The new bridge restores this crucial connection, ensuring faster, safer and more efficient railway services.

- The bridge features a vertical lift span that can be raised in just five minutes to allow ships to pass. It will be the first vertical lift bridge in India.

However, the lifting mechanism cannot be operated when wind velocity reaches 58 kmph or beyond, a frequent occurrence between October and February.

– Trains can now travel at speeds of up to 75 kmph, a much higher speed from the previous 10 kmph limit.