On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant advancement in India’s railway infrastructure. This 2.08-kilometer bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹550 crore, is India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland.
The New Pamban Bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span capable of rising 17 meters to allow large ships to pass underneath, enhancing maritime navigation. The bridge comprises 99 spans and is designed to support dual rail tracks, accommodating increased traffic and future expansion.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram Express, a daily service between Chennai and Rameswaram utilizing the new bridge. Additionally, he inaugurated a Coast Guard ship that passed beneath the bridge during the event.
The New Pamban Bridge replaces the original Pamban Bridge, which was decommissioned in 2022 after serving for over a century since its opening in 1914. The new structure is expected to boost tourism, trade, and mobility in Tamil Nadu, significantly improving connectivity to the spiritual hub of Rameswaram.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of Tamil Nadu in India’s development, stating that the state’s progress is integral to the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed country. He highlighted that the central government has allocated three times more funding to Tamil Nadu in the past decade compared to the period before 2014.
The New Pamban Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and commitment to enhancing infrastructure, blending heritage with modern technology. Its completion is poised to bring economic and cultural benefits to the region, reinforcing Rameswaram’s status as a key pilgrimage destination.
For a visual overview of the inauguration and the bridge’s features, you can watch the following coverage:
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