First Indian Vertical Lift Pamban Railway Bridge set to inaugurate in Rameswaram
The original Pamban Bridge, which was commissioned in 1914, featured a manually operated horizontal opening mechanism to allow the passage of maritime vessels.
First Indian Vertical Lift Pamban Railway Bridge set to inaugurate in Rameswaram
India is set to inaugurate its first-ever vertical lift railway bridge in Pamban, Rameswaram, marking a significant engineering achievement. This state-of-the-art structure will replace the historic British-era Pamban Railway Bridge and enhance connectivity between the mainland and Rameswaram Island.
The original Pamban Bridge, which was commissioned in 1914, featured a manually operated horizontal opening mechanism to allow the passage of maritime vessels.
Initially built for meter gauge trains, it was later reinforced to support broad gauge traffic and was reopened for operations in 2007. However, due to the limitations of the aging structure, the Ministry of Railways approved the construction of a modern replacement in February 2019.
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Built at Rs 531 crore, the new 2.1 km-long bridge has been developed by Southern Railway in collaboration with Rail Vikas Nigam. Its most striking feature is a 72.5-meter-long central span that can be lifted to a height of 17 meters, enabling ships to pass beneath.
The advanced electro-mechanical lift mechanism is seamlessly integrated with train control systems, ensuring smooth and automated operations. Strategically located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, the bridge serves as a crucial link to Rameswaram, a revered pilgrimage destination and one of the Char Dham sites.
Currently, the bridge is equipped with a single electrified railway track, but provisions have been made for a second line in the future to accommodate growing rail traffic.
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