India's 1st Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge To Open In Rameswaram Tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India's first vertical lift sea bridge in Rameswaram and would also dedicate other projects on April 6. On the eve of the official event, the Indian Railways came out with a promotional video of the picturesque new Pamban Bridge.

The Railway Ministry said, "Bridging the past, lifting the new, Pamban stands tall with a breathtaking view. This Ram Navami, witness India's First Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge — unveiling in one day!" The coastal town has come under security cover ahead of the inauguration of the Rs 550 crore bridge.

The New Pamban Bridge soars above the waves, ushering in enhanced connectivity and modern innovations. pic.twitter.com/AeDbXpljol

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 5, 2025

Around noon (April 6), the prime minister would inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge and flag off Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) new train service, and a Coast Guard Ship will be flagged off as the Vertical Lift Span rises up to make way, and witness the operation of the bridge.

PM Modi is expected to visit the renowned Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram at around 12.45 pm for darshan and pooja and later lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu at around 1.30 pm, a release said.

These projects include foundation stones for the four-laning of 28 Km long Walajapet - Ranipet section of NH-40 and dedication to the nation of 4-laned 29 Km long Viluppuram - Puducherry section of NH-332; 57 Km long Poondiyankuppam - Sattanathapuram section of NH-32 and 48 Km long Cholapuram - Thanjavur section of NH-36.

They will connect many pilgrim centres and tourist places, reduce distance between cities and enable faster access to medical colleges and hospitals, and ports besides empower local farmers to transport agricultural products to the nearby markets and boost economic activity of local leather and small scale industries.

The bridge carries a deep cultural significance. According to the Ramayana, the construction of Ram Setu was initiated from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram.

The bridge, linking Rameswaram to the mainland, stands as a remarkable feat of Indian engineering on the global stage. It is built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore. It is 2.08 km in length, features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises up to a height of 17 metres, facilitating smooth movement of larger ships while ensuring seamless train operations, it said.

Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, the bridge boasts increased durability and reduced maintenance needs. It is designed for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands. A special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.

In 1914, British engineers constructed the original Pamban Bridge, a cantilever (a long piece of metal or wood that extends from a wall to support the end of a bridge) structure with a Scherzer Rolling Lift span to connect Rameswaram Island with mainland India.

For over a century, it served as a critical lifeline for pilgrims, tourists, and trade. However, the harsh marine environment and growing transportation demands necessitated a modern solution. In 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the construction of a technologically advanced, future-ready replacement.

The new Pamban Bridge was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways overcoming several challenges, including environmental obstacles to logistical complexities, the Palk Strait's turbulent waters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather patterns created difficulties in the construction process.

Additionally, the region's susceptibility to cyclones and seismic activity necessitated careful planning and robust design. It shares similarities with other globally recognised bridges known for their technological advancements and unique designs. These include the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Tower Bridge in London and the Oresund Bridge in Denmark-Sweden. Each of these iconic structures, though different in design and functionality, represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence.

"Now, the new Pamban Bridge stands proudly in their company, combining cutting-edge technology with the challenges posed by India's coastal and seismic conditions," the release said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)