Exciting News: India Unveils New Pamban Bridge, the First Vertical-Lift Sea Bridge
The new Pamban bridge has a projected lifespan of 100 years
After more than a century since the original Pamban Bridge was constructed over the Palk Strait in Rameswaram, India is all set to unveil a cutting-edge replacement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge – the first vertical-lift sea bridge in the country – in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Situated in the Ramanathapuram district, this bridge links Rameswaram Island with Mandapam on the mainland.
The New Pamban Bridge is 2.07 kilometers long and stretches across the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu. It boasts a 72.5-meter navigational span that can be lifted vertically to 17 meters, allowing ships to pass underneath safely. The substructure can accommodate two railway tracks, although it currently operates a single line. This bridge connects Pamban (Rameswaram) Island with Mandapam on the mainland.
Designed to support train speeds of up to 80 kmph, the bridge is constructed to handle increased rail traffic and heavier loads. Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the bridge incurred a cost of approximately Rs 550 crore. With an expected lifespan of 100 years, special engineering techniques were employed in its construction to minimize the need for frequent maintenance.
Compared to the old bridge, the new one is constructed 3 meters higher, providing better sea clearance for maritime traffic. The lift span girder was assembled using the “Auto Launching Method based on Relationship Principle,” developed by Suntech Construction and verified by IIT Madras. Precise welding checks were carried out using PAUT (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing).
The bridge is being likened to renowned structures like the Golden Gate Bridge in the USA, Tower Bridge in the UK, and the Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden due to its modern design and advanced technology.
The original Pamban Bridge, built in 1914 by British engineers, utilized a manually operated Scherzer’s span (a type of rolling lift bridge). Featuring a 61-meter truss that could lift up to 81 degrees for ship movement, the old bridge has been closed to rail traffic due to safety concerns.
