New Pamban Railway Bridge Completed in Five Years, Set for Inauguration by PM Modi

The Pamban Railway Bridge, India's only vertical lift bridge, is ready for inauguration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to open it soon, according to an official. The bridge, costing Rs 531 crore, connects Rameswaram Island to mainland Tamil Nadu in the Ramanathapuram district. It was completed in five years by the Southern Railway Zone.

The bridge spans 2.1 km and was commissioned in February 2019. It reached completion in November 2024. The vertical lift span measures 72.5 metres and weighs 660 MT. Two counterweights of 310 MT each are used, with motors adding an extra 40 MT for balance during lifting operations.

Bridge Construction and Materials

Constructing the new bridge required substantial materials, including 3.38 lakh cement bags, 4,500 MT of structural steel, and 5,772 MT of reinforcement stainless steel. The towers rise to a height of 34 metres. Designed to last over a century, the bridge can raise its span to 17 metres for large fishing boats passing through the Palk Strait.

The lifting process takes five minutes and 30 seconds. Unlike the old Pamban Bridge, which needed manual operation by 16 people, the new bridge uses an electro-mechanical system interlocked with train control systems for seamless operation.

Technological Advancements and Durability

The new bridge's sub-structure allows for future electrification and double-line installation if needed. To withstand the Bay of Bengal's corrosive seawater and strong currents through the Palk Strait, a durable painting scheme was applied. This includes two coats of zinc metallizing, epilux zinc-rich primer, and polysiloxane, expected to last 35 years.

Initially, the bridge can handle up to 12 trains daily at a maximum speed of 75 km per hour. The old Pamban Bridge was commissioned on February 24, 1914, for metre gauge traffic and later upgraded to broad gauge standards. The last train crossed it in 2022.

This engineering feat not only enhances connectivity but also showcases modern advancements in railway infrastructure. With its completion, it stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in constructing complex structures that meet contemporary needs while preserving historical significance.