The New Pamban Rail Bridge is now operational, connecting Mandapam on the mainland to Rameswaram on Pamban Island. This bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, designed to replace the old structure that closed in December 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the bridge on April 6, 2025, and flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram Express.
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What makes the New Pamban Bridge special?
The bridge is about 2.07 km long and features a unique vertical lift span of 72 meters. This middle section can rise up to 17 meters to let ships pass through the sea. Once the ship passes, the section lowers, and trains resume their journey. The bridge was built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) with designs vetted by IIT Madras and IIT Bombay.
Key technical details of the bridge
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design Life | 100 Years |
| Max Speed | 98 kmph (Operational limit 80 kmph) |
| Lift Section Speed | 50 kmph |
| Consultant | Técnica y Proyectos S.A. (TYPSA) |
| Inauguration Date | April 6, 2025 |
Is the new bridge safe for passengers?
The Ministry of Railways formed a high-level committee in November 2024 to check safety concerns raised by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS). On January 11, 2025, the committee cleared the design, confirming it is structurally safe. M.P. Singh from RVNL stated that the bridge is built to last a century and follows both European and Indian safety codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the vertical lift system work on Pamban Bridge?
The bridge has a 72-meter middle section that lifts up to 17 meters vertically. This allows large ships to pass underneath without blocking the rail track for long.
What is the maximum speed of trains on the new bridge?
While the bridge can handle speeds up to 98 kmph, the operational speed is restricted to 80 kmph, and it is further reduced to 50 kmph on the lift section.