Fri Dec 27 18:22:19 UTC 2024: ## India’s New Vertical Lift Sea Bridge to Restore Rail Link to Rameswaram Island
**Pamban, Tamil Nadu:** India’s first vertical lift sea bridge at Pamban is set to open in January, restoring crucial rail connectivity between the mainland and Rameswaram island in southern Tamil Nadu. The 2.08-km bridge, built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), will allow for faster train speeds and replace a century-old British-era bridge deemed unsafe due to severe corrosion.
The new bridge features a unique 72.5-meter long, 16-meter wide lift span capable of rising 17 meters to allow ships to pass. While the Commissioner for Railway Safety has approved train operations, concerns regarding corrosion prevention and design deviations were raised. RVNL officials assured these issues are being addressed, citing robust anti-corrosion measures and design approvals from IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. The bridge, which began construction in 2020, is expected to have a lifespan of 100 years.
Train services between Mandapam and Rameswaram were suspended in December 2022 due to the deteriorating condition of the old bridge, forcing passengers to rely on road transport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new bridge in November 2019. The project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inauguration of the new bridge is expected to significantly improve transport links to the pilgrimage site of Rameswaram.
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