India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge Opens Today: Key Features, Route & Significance Explained

India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge Opens Today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram today on the occasion of Ram Navami. The rail bridge, known as Pamban, has been built for Rs 550 crore.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was seen with PM Modi at the inauguration while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was missing from the scene.

PM Modi inaugurated the Pamban Bridge after concluding his three-day trip to Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister posted on his X account about witnessing Ram Setu at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya on the occasion of Ram Navami, calling it a “divine coincidence.”

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On the eve of the inauguration of India's first vertical lift sea bridge, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Pamban Bridge is one of the marvels for “Tamil history, culture, Tamil language, and ancient Tamil civilisation.”

He said, “The Pamban Bridge is one of the most significant bridges in the history of the railways….it is one of the greatest architectural marvels for Tamil history, culture, ancient Tamil civilization, and the Tamil language. It will be inaugurated tomorrow by Prime Minister Modi.”

Key features of the bridge:

The 72.5-meter navigational span can be raised up to 17 meters to allow larger ships to pass.

The bridge is 3 meters higher than the existing one, improving sea connectivity.

It is built with materials designed to ensure durability, including stainless steel reinforcement and high-grade protective paint.

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The bridge’s substructure is designed to accommodate two tracks, with the superstructure currently supporting a single line.

The new bridge has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore.

The bridge links Rameswaram, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, to the mainland. And there is a Ram Setu connection too. It is said in Ramayana that the construction of Ram Setu started from Rameswaram.

The first vertical-lift sea bridge is constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints.

It boasts increased durability and reduced maintenance needs.

In February 2019, the Ministry of Railways sanctioned the construction of a new bridge to replace the ageing structure.

Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the new Pamban Bridge can handle faster trains and increased traffic, Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

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