The new 2.07-km long bridge will replace the existing 100-year old bridge

The construction work of India’s first Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge, which will link Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameswaram at the Pamban island, is going on in full swing. The new bridge will enhance the convenience of the pilgrims visiting Rameswaram.

Sharing the latest pictures of the bridge, the Ministry of Railways said in a tweet, “Over the roaring seas, one of the most challenging infrastructures of IR is coming up! Construction of India’s first Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge connecting Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland is being fastracked Here are a few spectacular photographs!”



The New Pamban Bridge will be 2.07 km long in total. It is expected to be a boon for devotees and pilgrims who wish to embark on a spiritual tour to Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

According to the Ministry of Railways, it will replace the 100-year old bridge and is expected to be serviceable by December 2021. The bridge is being constructed under a Rs 280 crores budget.

Interestingly, the middle part of the New Pamban Bridge gets lifted to let ships pass through during travel. The bridge will be equipped with electro-mechanical controlled systems, which will be interlocked with the train control systems to provide seamless system connectivity.

Calling the New Pamban bridge an ‘engineering marvel,” Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal took to Twitter. “Engineering marvel in making!
Construction work of India’s first Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge connecting Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameswaram at the Pamban island is in full swing. New Pamban bridge will enhance the convenience of pilgrims visiting the holy site of Rameswaram,” he said.



In October, the Indian Railways had shared a video of the bridge coming to reality soon.

“The 2.07 km long Vertical span New Pamban Bridge will soon become a reality! The new bridge will be a boon for Pilgrims and devotees who wish to embark on a spiritual tour to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi,” the Railways Ministry had said in a tweet.



Being developed by Railway Vikas Nigam Limited, the new bridge will be over 2 km long with 100 spans of 18.3 meters, a navigational span of 63 meters that will move vertically upwards, enabling movement of ships and steamers.