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PM Narendra Modi launches New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge in Rameshwaram

PM Narendra Modi launches New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge in Rameshwaram

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 8, 2025, 10:07 IST

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2.08-kilometer Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. The INR 550 crore structure features advanced materials and a vertical lift mechanism to enhance navigation. It is set to boost tourism, trade, and mobility in Tamil Nadu.

PM Narendra Modi launches New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge in Rameshwaram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 6, 2025, inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Bridge, marking a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure. This 2.08-kilometer structure, stretching across the Palk Strait, is the country’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, connecting the island of Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. The bridge replaces the 110-year-old Pamban Bridge, decommissioned in 2022 due to age and maintenance challenges.
The inauguration followed a successful trial run conducted prior to the event. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi remotely operated the bridge’s vertical lift mechanism, showcasing its 72.5-metre central span that can rise 17 metres to allow large vessels to pass underneath. He also flagged off the inaugural Rameswaram–Tambaram Express train and a Coast Guard ship, officially launching the bridge into service. The new structure stands three metres taller than its predecessor, enabling smaller ships to navigate without requiring the lift to be raised.
Constructed at an estimated cost of INR 550 crore, the Pamban Bridge features 99 spans and is designed for durability in the harsh marine environment. It incorporates stainless steel reinforcements and a polysiloxane coating to combat corrosion, along with fully welded joints to ensure structural strength and reduce long-term maintenance needs. Supported by 333 piles and 101 pile caps, the bridge’s dual-track design accommodates both heavy freight traffic and semi-high-speed trains, such as the Vande Bharat Express, preparing it for future rail demands.

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The original Pamban Bridge, operational for over a century, was a critical link for trade and pilgrimage between Rameswaram and the mainland. However, corrosion and increasing upkeep costs prompted its replacement, with the foundation stone for the new bridge laid in 2019.
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During his visit to Rameswaram, Prime Minister Modi is set to offer prayers at the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple, a major spiritual site on the island. Additionally, he will inaugurate road and rail projects valued at over INR 8,300 crore, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering development across Tamil Nadu.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the bridge as a testament to Indian engineering and Tamil heritage. He highlighted its role in honoring the state’s culture, language, and history while advancing railway capabilities.
The Pamban Bridge’s opening has been met with optimism for its potential to boost tourism, trade, and mobility in Tamil Nadu. With its cutting-edge design and strategic importance, the structure bridged tradition with progress on India’s southeastern coast.
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