India’s First Vertical-Lift Bridge Set to Connect Rameswaram Island
The indian Railways is on the verge of completing India’s first vertical-lift bridge, the Pamban Railway Bridge, which will create a crucial link between the mainland and Rameswaram Island. The Southern Railway has announced that the 2.05-kilometer-long bridge will facilitate faster train operations and enhance connectivity between the island and the mainland.
Southern Railway recently updated the project's status, revealing that trial runs are underway to ensure the bridge’s durability and structural integrity. A load deflection test conducted on august 21 confirmed the bridge's robust performance. The Pamban Bridge, under construction by rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at an estimated cost of Rs 535 crore, will replace the 1914 Scherzer’s span bridge and is touted as a "Modern Railway Engineering Marvel."The completion of the Pamban Railway Bridge will not only modernize rail infrastructure but also strengthen the economic and social links between Rameswaram Island and the rest of India. It will facilitate better access to the island, supporting both tourism and local economic activities. The bridge represents a significant leap forward in indian railway engineering, setting a new standard for future infrastructure projects.
Prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project in november 2019, with construction beginning in february 2020. The new Pamban Bridge is expected to be completed soon, marking a significant advancement in India’s rail infrastructure and restoring vital connectivity to Rameswaram Island.