India’s Engineering Marvel: The Advanced New Pamban Railway Bridge

The New Pamban Railway Bridge, described as a technical marvel, connects the coastal town of Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. This state-of-the-art structure is set to open for rail traffic soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate it. It is India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, incorporating advanced technology not seen elsewhere in the country.

The foundation stone for the New Pamban Railway Bridge was laid in 2019, and the construction was completed in four and a half years. The new bridge replaces the old Pamban Bridge, which had become outdated. Given its location in the sea, where corrosion levels are high and wind speeds are strong, the structure has been built using high-strength materials and specialized coatings to withstand these challenges.

Unlike the old bridge, which could only accommodate trains with diesel engines—leading to higher costs and pollution—the new Pamban Bridge is designed to support trains with electric engines. Inspired by London's Tower Bridge, its design also incorporates elements from Spanish engineering concepts.

One of its key features is its ability to lift vertically, allowing ships to pass underneath. Previously, the old bridge operated on a split mechanism, requiring manual operation to open in two parts for ships to pass, a process that took about 45 minutes. In contrast, the new bridge uses advanced technology to lift within just five and a half minutes, enabling seamless maritime traffic.

Additionally, the old bridge restricted trains to speeds below 50 km/h, whereas the new bridge allows for higher-speed rail travel. Previously, only 18 trains operated on the old Pamban Bridge, but with the new infrastructure in place, more trains are expected to run based on demand.