On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, which connects Rameswaram island to the Indian mainland. The new bridge replaces the 110-year-old Pamban Bridge, which was decommissioned in 2022 owing to aging and structural degradation.
The project combines modern engineering, cultural heritage, and strategic linkage, highlighting the relevance of South India’s religious and logistical corridors.
New Pamban Bridge Key Features
- Length: 2.08 km over the Palk Strait
- Vertical Lift Span: 72.5 meters that rises 17 meters for vessel passage
- Number of Spans: 99 fixed spans
- Increased Height: 3 meters taller than the old bridge to allow small ships without lifting
- Bridge Type: India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge
- Construction Cost: Approx. ₹550 crore
- Material Used: Stainless steel reinforcements + polysiloxane anti-corrosion coating
- Structural Strength: Fully welded joints for durability
- Support Structure: 333 piles and 101 pile caps
- Tracks: Dual-track for freight and semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express
Why the New Pamban Bridge Is an Engineering Marvel
✅ Vertical-Lift Mechanism
The standout feature is its vertical-lift design, enabling smooth ship movement underneath without disturbing rail operations—essential for maritime and coastal logistics.
✅ Corrosion-Resistant Materials
Built to withstand the harsh marine climate, the bridge uses polysiloxane coatings and stainless steel to minimize corrosion and ensure longevity.
✅ High-Speed & Freight Ready
The bridge supports semi-high-speed trains, such as Vande Bharat, and is equipped for heavy freight loads, enhancing rail connectivity across Tamil Nadu and South India.
Cultural and Strategic Significance
During the inauguration, PM Modi remotely operated the bridge’s lift mechanism and flagged off the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express. He also launched a Coast Guard ship and laid the foundation stones for various road and rail infrastructure projects worth ₹8,300 crore.
As part of the visit, he offered prayers at the Ramanathaswamy Temple, underlining the cultural reverence of the location.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called it:
“A proud tribute to Tamil civilisation, culture, and language… symbolic of Indian Railways’ innovation and pride.”
Why Was the New Pamban Bridge Needed?
The original Pamban Bridge, opened in 1914, was a lifeline between Rameswaram and the Indian mainland. However, ageing infrastructure, frequent repairs, and limited load capacity made it obsolete. The need for efficient freight handling, semi-high-speed trains, and marine navigation called for a modern solution—thus, the new vertical-lift Pamban Bridge.