PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Vertical Sea-Lift Pamban Bridge, Enhancing Rameswaram’s Connectivity

New Rameswaram-Tambaram Train and Coast Guard Vessel Also Flagged Off​

Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), April 6 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the much-anticipated Pamban sea bridge, marking a historic milestone in India’s rail infrastructure. The vertical sea-lift bridge connects Rameswaram island with the mainland, significantly boosting access to the sacred pilgrimage town.

In a grand ceremony, PM Modi also flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) express train and a Coast Guard vessel, which passed under the newly inaugurated bridge, symbolizing the seamless integration of maritime and rail connectivity.

India’s First Vertical-Lift Railway Bridge​

Built at a cost of over ₹550 crore, the new Pamban bridge spans 2.08 kilometers and is a technological marvel. It features:

• 99 spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span
• The vertical lift can rise up to 17 meters, enabling large ships to pass without disrupting train services
• Stainless steel reinforcements, fully welded joints, and high-grade polysiloxane paint to withstand the corrosive marine environment
• 333 foundation piles and 101 piers/pile caps, constructed to support dual railway lines and allow for future expansion

The bridge not only improves transportation but also demonstrates the blend of modern engineering with cultural importance, enhancing travel for the millions of devotees who visit Rameswaram each year.

Dignitaries Present​

The inauguration event was attended by key leaders including:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi
• State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu
• Union Minister of State L Murugan
• BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai
• Senior BJP leaders H Raja and Vanathi Srinivasan

PM Modi, returning from his official visit to Sri Lanka, received a warm welcome at Rameswaram by state and central representatives.