The New Pamban Bridge, inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is a groundbreaking feat of modern engineering, representing India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. This bridge, located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, replaces the century-old Pamban Rail Bridge, which had been in operation since 1914. The old bridge was decommissioned in December 2022 due to corrosion, paving the way for this state-of-the-art structure.

Stretching 2 kilometers, the new Pamban Bridge features 100 spans, with the majority measuring 18.3 meters in length. A significant improvement over its predecessor, the bridge boasts a fully automated vertical lift span that offers a 22-meter clearance—safer and higher than the 19-meter clearance of the old bridge. This upgrade supports double tracks, electrification, and high-speed trains, making it future-ready for the evolving demands of rail transport.

With a cost of ₹535 crore, the bridge’s construction was carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). One of the key highlights is the bridge’s 73-meter navigational span, which allows for the passage of marine traffic, offering dual functionality for both rail and waterborne vessels.

The Railway Minister shared various updates through social media, offering glimpses of the bridge’s lift span in motion and a train running during trial runs. The new bridge is expected to offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mannar for passengers, enhancing the travel experience.

Beyond enhancing railway connectivity, the new Pamban Bridge is poised to boost tourism and economic activities in the region. It complements the redevelopment of the Rameswaram Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme, marking a significant investment in infrastructure.

Despite its advanced design, safety concerns were raised by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), which prompted the railway ministry to form a five-member committee to review and address the issues before operations begin.

This new Pamban Bridge is not just a transportation project but a symbol of progress, connectivity, and modern engineering in India.