PM Modi Inaugurates Asia’s First Vertical Rail Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram

PM Modi inaugurates Asia’s first vertical-lift sea bridge (Pamban Bridge) and new Rameswaram-Chennai train service. The ₹700 crore, 2.08-km engineering marvel features a 17m-lift span for ships and corrosion-resistant tech, replacing the century-old British-era structure. Read more at Dynamite News.

Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge—India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge—on Ram Navami, Sunday. He also flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service, marking a leap in coastal connectivity.

The new Pamban Bridge cost ₹700+ crore and spans 2.08 km with 99 sections. Its 72.5-meter lift mechanism rises 17 meters to let ships pass while trains continue running. The bridge uses stainless steel, special anti-rust paint, and welded joints for long-lasting strength with little maintenance needed.

Replacing the 1914 British-era bridge, this modern link boosts speed (trains can run at 100 kmph vs old 10 kmph) and safety for Rameswaram Island’s 10M+ annual pilgrims.