Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge at Rameswaram on Sunday, April 6, alongside dedicating and laying the foundation stone for major infrastructure initiatives across Tamil Nadu.
In a post shared on social media platform X, the Ministry of Railways released a promotional video showcasing the new bridge and said, “Bridging the past, lifting the new, Pamban stands tall with a breathtaking view. This Ram Navami, witness India’s First Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge — unveiling in one day!”
The ₹550 crore bridge, constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), will connect Rameswaram Island to mainland India, replacing the century-old cantilever structure built by the British in 1914. The coastal town has been placed under heightened security ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Around noon on 6 April, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge, flag off the Rameswaram–Tambaram (Chennai) train service, and signal the departure of a Coast Guard vessel as the vertical lift span rises to allow its passage.
An official release maintained, "Mr Modi is expected to visit the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram for darshan and pooja at around 12.45 p.m. Subsequently, at 1.30 p.m., he will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation several rail and road infrastructure projects valued at over ₹8,300 crore.
Among these are the four-laning of the 28 km Walajapet–Ranipet section of National Highway 40 and the dedication of four-lane upgrades to the 29 km Viluppuram–Puducherry stretch of NH-332, 57 km of NH-32 between Poondiyankuppam and Sattanathapuram, and the 48 km Cholapuram–Thanjavur section of NH-36.
The projects aim to boost connectivity between pilgrim sites and tourist destinations, facilitate faster access to medical facilities and ports, and assist farmers and local industries in reaching wider markets.
The new Pamban Bridge, measuring 2.08 km in length, includes 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift section that can be elevated up to 17 metres, enabling the passage of larger ships while allowing uninterrupted rail operations.
The bridge has been designed for dual-track operations and constructed using stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing its durability and reducing maintenance requirements. A special polysiloxane coating has been applied to safeguard the structure from corrosion due to the marine environment.
According to Indian Railways, the new bridge combines cutting-edge technology with robust design, making it resilient to cyclones and seismic activity. It draws comparisons with globally celebrated engineering structures like the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, the Tower Bridge in London, and the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.
“Now, the new Pamban Bridge stands proudly in their company, combining cutting-edge technology with the challenges posed by India’s coastal and seismic conditions,” the Railway Ministry said in the release.
The original Pamban Bridge, constructed in 1914 by British engineers, featured a Scherzer rolling lift span and served as a vital lifeline for over a century, carrying pilgrims, tourists, and goods. However, its ageing infrastructure and the challenges posed by the harsh coastal environment prompted the government in 2019 to approve the construction of a modern replacement.
Beyond its engineering significance, the location carries immense cultural and religious symbolism. According to the Ramayana, the mythical Ram Setu was said to have originated near Dhanushkodi, close to Rameswaram.
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