Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – In a historic moment for India’s infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge on April 6, 2025. This iconic project, located in Rameswaram, is now officially India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, marking a major engineering milestone and a significant boost to regional connectivity.
The new 2.08-kilometer-long rail bridge connects Mandapam on the Indian mainland to Rameswaram island, replacing the more-than-century-old Pamban Bridge built in 1914. The old structure, though a symbol of architectural legacy, had aged beyond repair and was not equipped to meet modern logistical and safety needs. In contrast, the new bridge integrates cutting-edge technology and modern design, making it more robust and efficient.
One of the key highlights of the new Pamban Bridge is its vertical lift span—a 72.5-meter-long section at the center of the bridge that can be elevated up to 17 meters. This mechanism allows ships and marine vessels to pass seamlessly beneath, without disrupting rail traffic. It’s a first-of-its-kind feature in India and showcases the country’s growing capability in advanced civil engineering.
During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi also flagged off the inaugural run of the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express, which became the first train to cross the newly built sea bridge. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister lauded the project as a symbol of New India’s engineering excellence, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in the southern states.
The inauguration was accompanied by the launch of various other railway and road development projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. These initiatives aim to enhance the state’s connectivity, improve logistics, and stimulate economic growth in the region, particularly in tourism-heavy areas like Rameswaram.
Constructed parallel to the original bridge, the new structure has been designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, with corrosion-resistant materials and improved structural stability. It is expected to significantly reduce maintenance requirements and enhance operational safety for trains.
For the people of Tamil Nadu—and especially the devotees and tourists who visit the sacred town of Rameswaram—the new bridge is not just a physical connection but a symbol of progress and spiritual accessibility. It is anticipated that the improved rail link will give a major boost to tourism and local businesses by making the region more accessible year-round.
With the successful completion and inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge, India has taken another bold step in modernizing its railway infrastructure, blending innovation, tradition, and utility in a single project that promises long-term benefits for both the state and the nation.
