Pamban Leap: Modi Unveils India's First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge

On 6th April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. This bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, designed to improve connectivity between Rameswaram Island and the mainland while allowing uninterrupted maritime traffic.

The bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore, stretches over 2.08 km and features 99 spans, including a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can rise up to 17 meters. This innovative design enables large ships to pass beneath without interrupting rail services, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation for both rail and sea. The new bridge replaces the historic 1914 British-era cantilever Pamban Bridge. The old bridge, featuring a Scherzer Rolling Lift span, was decommissioned in December 2022 due to aging infrastructure and maintenance issues.

During the inauguration, the Prime Minister flagged off the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express from the new bridge and witnessed a Coast Guard ship passing under the raised span, demonstrating the bridge's advanced operational capabilities.

Built with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade corrosion-resistant paint, and fully welded joints, the new Pamban Bridge is designed for long-term durability, particularly in a region susceptible to cyclones and harsh marine conditions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.