An engineering wonder, the new Pamban bridge will be the first vertical lift railway bridge over the sea in India. As a crucial connection between Mandapam on the mainland and Rameswaram on Pamban Island, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is building a bridge parallel to the existing Pamban bridge at an estimated cost of INR 535 crore.
The first-ever vertical lift bridge across the sea in India is almost finished. The Railway Board’s Chairperson, Jaya Varma Sinha, has said that the India’s first vertical-lift bridge, the Pamban railway bridge, which links the mainland with Rameswaram Island, would likely be ready for use as well as completion in the near future. After visiting Rameswaram recently to evaluate the project’s status, Varma confirmed that the rebuilding is going good and well.
Despite the many obstacles encountered throughout the repair, the committed crew showed incredible dedication. In reference to this, the CEO and Chair of the Railway Board said that there are considerable obstacles involved in building the country’s first vertical-lift bridge across choppy waters.
An engineering wonder, the new Pamban bridge will be the first vertical lift railway bridge over the sea in India. As a crucial connection between Mandapam on the mainland and Rameswaram on Pamban Island, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is building a bridge parallel to the existing Pamban bridge at an estimated cost of INR 535 crore.
In November 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the new Pamban bridge. The COVID-19 epidemic caused the original completion deadline of December 2021—which was extended—to be extended for the start of construction in February 2020.
Here are some astounding details regarding this masterpiece of architecture:
Vertical lift capability: The new Pamban bridge stands out for its capacity to raise vertically, which will make it easier and safer for boats to travel under the structure. The train control system and electromechanical controls are integrated via the vertical lift span.
Electrification readiness: The bridge was constructed in accordance with Indian Railways’ overarching objective of converting to complete electrification across its broad gauge network, and it is designed to support future electrification.
Provision for double lines: The new Pamban bridge’s foundation is designed to support double lines, and the navigational span contains facilities for double lines as well.
Pioneering innovation: Offering total horizontal clearance of 72.5 m to aid navigation, the vertical lift mechanism is a national invention.
Easy navigation: As the navigational span rises vertically to provide enough room for boats, train traffic will be temporarily stopped to ease shipping traffic.
Structure: One navigational span measuring 63 meters and 100 spans measuring 18.3 meters each make up the new Pamban bridge. With a height of 3.0 meters above the current bridge, it provides 22.0 meters of air clearance for navigation.
Innovative technologies: The bridge’s construction made use of innovative technology, such as composite sleepers, a long-lasting painting method, and stainless steel reinforcing.
Improved connectivity: The 2.05-kilometer-long Pamban bridge, according to Southern Railway, would allow for quicker train operations and easier traffic between Rameswaram Island and mainland India.
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For what reason was it rebuilt?
Records state that the previous Pamban bridge, built in 1913, required rebuilding because of its restricted vertical clearance. According to reports, safety concerns led to the closure of rail services between Mandapam and Rameswaram Island in December 2022, underscoring the need for a new bridge. Trains used to go slowly over the ancient bridge, taking around 15 minutes to arrive at Rameswaram. All trains, however, now stop at Mandapam, from which passengers must proceed by road to Rameswaram.