New Delhi, 6 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first vertical lift Pamban railway bridge today on April 6, coinciding with Ram Navami. This bridge, connecting Rameswaram Island to Mandapam in Tamil Nadu, symbolizes advanced technology and self-reliance, and is a significant architectural achievement linked to Tamil heritage.

Costing ₹535 crore, it replaces a corroded structure, spans 2.08 kilometers, and stands three meters taller to accommodate larger vessels. Designed to enhance Indian Railways and bolster tourism, it integrates modern materials for durability against marine challenges.

The Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge, began construction in 1911 and opened in 1914, previously the longest bridge until 2010. Despite challenges, including significant storm damage in 1964, it became a symbol of resilience. As transportation needs evolved, a new bridge was proposed in 2019 by Prime Minister Modi, completed within four years.

The bridge also holds religious significance, linking Rameswaram to the mainland, and is vital to the Ramayana, enhancing pilgrimage access to sacred sites associated with Lord Ram and Lord Shiva.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar