Sat Apr 05 19:26:43 UTC 2025: ## New Pamban Rail Bridge: An Engineering Marvel Opens in Tamil Nadu
**RAMESWARAM, TAMIL NADU –** Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Pamban rail bridge in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, a project hailed as a significant engineering achievement. Replacing a century-old British-era structure severely compromised by corrosion, the new bridge boasts a state-of-the-art vertical lift span, a first for Indian Railways.
The ₹531 crore project, undertaken by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), overcame numerous challenges. Engineers faced difficulties sourcing materials during the COVID-19 pandemic and battled space constraints, strong winds, and a challenging sea environment. The design, finalized after consultations with IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, incorporated Spanish expertise and incorporated cutting-edge anti-corrosion measures, including a zinc metallising and polysiloxane paint scheme expected to extend the bridge’s lifespan significantly.
The 2.08-km bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span, designed to allow for ship passage. This lift span, weighing 654 metric tonnes, is operated by an electromechanical system, reducing the opening and closing time from over 40 minutes to just 5.3 minutes. The bridge is also equipped with anemometers to monitor wind speed, ensuring safe operation under various weather conditions.
The project, completed despite a two-year delay, showcases a significant level of indigenous expertise. While the design originated from a Spanish company, all steel structures were fabricated in India, and the operating software was developed domestically. The bridge has been designed for 25-tonne axle loading with no speed restrictions, aiming for a lifespan exceeding that of its predecessor. The inauguration marks the resumption of train services between Mandapam and Rameswaram after a 26-month hiatus.
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