India’s New Pamban Railway Bridge Ready to Open, Country’s First Vertical Lift Bridge Connecting Mandapam Mainland to Rameswaram Island

India is on the brink of opening its first vertical-lift bridge, the Pamban Railway Bridge, connecting the Mandapam mainland to Rameswaram Island. The new bridge, alongside the old one, is being built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for Rs 535 crore.

The old Pamban Railway Bridge stopped operating in ”December 2022 due to safety concerns raised by IIT-Madras and the Research Design and Standards Organisation of Indian Railways.” This prompted Southern Railway to suspend rail traffic permanently.

The initiative for the new bridge was taken by ”Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, and construction began in February 2020.” Originally set to be completed by December 2021, the deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upcoming 2.05-kilometres-long bridge aims to facilitate higher-speed train operations and improve connectivity between the mainland and Rameswaram Island. Before a road bridge was built in 1988, trains were the only link between Mandapam and Rameswaram Island.

The old bridge, built in 1913, faced challenges with sea water splashing due to its low clearance. Recognizing its limited lifespan, Southern Railways decided to reconstruct it, adding a navigational lift span parallel to the existing structure.

The new bridge, with 100 spans of 18.3 meters and one navigational span of 63 meters, will be 3.0 meters higher than the old one, providing a navigational air clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level. The substructure is designed for double lines, accommodating the railways’ electrification plan.

Train services between Mandapam and Rameswaram Island were suspended on December 23, 2022, with the anticipation that the new bridge will soon resume these crucial rail connections.

Interesting Facts About The Bridge : 

 The vertical lift span seamlessly integrates electromechanical controls with the train system, heralding a new era in bridge engineering.
In anticipation of future electrification initiatives, the bridge has been meticulously designed to align with Indian Railways’ overarching goal of transitioning to full electrification across its broad gauge network.

The structural foundation of the new Pamban bridge has been ingeniously crafted to accommodate double lines, with provisions made both in the substructure and the navigational span.

A groundbreaking innovation, the vertical lift mechanism offers an impressive horizontal clearance of 72.5 meters, revolutionizing navigation possibilities.

Ensuring smooth passage for shipping traffic, temporary halts in rail operations are scheduled as the navigational span ascends vertically, creating ample clearance for passing boats.

With a meticulous design featuring 100 spans of 18.3 meters each and a navigational span stretching 63 meters, the new bridge stands 3.0 meters taller than its predecessor, providing a navigational air clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level.

The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, such as stainless steel reinforcement and composite sleepers, underscores the bridge’s commitment to durability and longevity.

Southern Railway anticipates that the 2.05-kilometer-long Pamban bridge will not only enable faster train operations but also bolster connectivity between mainland India and Rameswaram Island, facilitating smoother transportation and trade links.