Lara Zijl 
The Indian Railways, on a trajectory of development, proudly presents the newly constructed Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects Mandapam on mainland India to Pamban Island and Rameswaram. Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), a PSU under Indian Railways, the bridge is celebrated as one of the most iconic structures in India.
The new bridge boasts 100 spans of 18.3 meters each and a navigational span of 63 meters, standing 3.0 meters higher than the existing bridge. This elevation provides a navigational air clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level, enhancing maritime operations.
RVNL’s Electrical Engineer, M Dinesh, highlighted that the new bridge features electro-mechanical controlled systems interlocked with train control systems, replacing the manual operations of the old bridge. The bridge’s operation uses a counterweight mechanism, significantly reducing electricity consumption. Ships intending to pass under the bridge must coordinate with the maritime department and railways, halting train operations for approximately two hours.
B.N. Singh, Executive Director of RVNL, described the Pamban Bridge as a 2.05 km long structure with a unique Vertical Lift span, making it one of its kind in the country and second in the world. Designed by international consultant TYPSA, the bridge adheres to European and Indian codes, setting a milestone in engineering.
Singh noted that the old bridge offered a vertical clearance of only 1.5 meters between the high tide level and the bottom of the girder, leading to seawater splashing on the girders. The new bridge, however, provides a 3.0-meter clearance, ensuring a navigational air clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publication of the Railway Board, mentioned that the old Pamban Bridge was commissioned on February 24, 1914. With the advent of new technologies, the new bridge now connects Rameshwaram Island to the mainland. The vertical lift technology allows for a full horizontal width of 63 meters for navigation.
Constructed by RVNL at a cost of Rs 535 crores, the bridge will enable Indian Railways to operate trains at higher speeds and increase traffic between mainland India and Rameswaram Island. The Great Pamban Bridge, attracting thousands of tourists globally, offers a visual spectacle with its modern technology allowing cruisers and ships to pass through seamlessly. It also transports pilgrims visiting the famed Ramanathaswamy Temple.
