The newly constructed Pamban bridge inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, 2025. It will replace a 110-year-old structure that once connected Rameswaram to the Indian mainland. It will facilitates better train operations in the Palk Strait, connecting Ramanathapuram with the Rameswaram island.
The Pamban bridge, India’s first sea bridge, was an engineering marvel of its time. Standing 12.5 meters above sea level, it stretched across 145 piers and featured a double-leaf bascule span—a Scherzer rolling lift bridge—that opened for ships to pass through. It is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge
The idea of linking India and Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, through the Adam’s Bridge route was first explored in 1876. However, the plan was shelved due to high costs. Eventually, a more feasible plan was approved in 1906: a railway line from Madurai to Dhanushkodi via Rameswaram, and a steamer service from Dhanushkodi to Sri Lanka.
The New Pamban Bridge can withstand cyclones of greater intensity than the one in 1964 which substantially damaged the old bridge.
MP Singh, director (operations) at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), said this bridge has been designed “to withstand a wind speed of 230 kmph as well as considerable seismic loading”.
“The 1964 cyclone had a wind speed of about 160 kmph and caused substantial damage to the old bridge. However, the Scherzer Span, which used to be opened for ship movement, survived the cyclone and was not damaged,” said Singh.
