On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Rameswaram, located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, marking a historic moment in India’s infrastructure evolution. The cutting-edge structure is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, symbolizing a major milestone in indigenous engineering excellence.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Technology
- The 2.08-kilometre-long bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore, features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can rise up to 17 metres, enabling large vessels to pass beneath while trains continue to operate.
- The lift span, weighing 660 metric tonnes, was developed entirely using Indian technology, underlining the nation’s growing prowess in engineering innovation.
- Designed to support dual rail tracks, the bridge is future-ready, geared to meet growing transportation demands to and from Rameswaram, a revered pilgrimage hub.
Boosting Connectivity and Culture
PM Modi also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram (Chennai), further strengthening regional rail connectivity. In his address to a large gathering, the Prime Minister said:
“This is the land of Bharat Ratna Dr. Kalam. His life showed us that science and spirituality complement each other. Similarly, this Pamban Bridge to Rameswaram brings technology and tradition together.”
He also emphasized the emotional significance of the moment, saying he felt “blessed” to pray at the Ramanathaswamy Temple and to witness the convergence of spiritual and scientific achievements.
Political Presence and Public Praise
While Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin could not attend due to engagements in the Nilgiris, several dignitaries were present:
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi
- Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- State and BJP leaders including Thangam Thennarasu, K. Annamalai, and others
- Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon
In a spiritual note shared on X, Modi wrote: “Was blessed to have a Darshan of the Ram Setu… at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya. Prabhu Shri Ram is a uniting force for all of us.”
A Global Showcase of Indian Innovation
The new Pamban Bridge is not just an engineering marvel; it’s a symbol of how India is “bridging the past and lifting the future” — as stated by Indian Railways. The project is expected to transform connectivity to Rameswaram and enhance travel for pilgrims and tourists alike, while serving as a glowing example of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With this inauguration, the government not only delivers a major infrastructure boost but also sends a powerful message about India’s capability to blend heritage, modernity, and self-reliance on the global stage.
