New Pamban Bridge Inaugurated by PM Modi

On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, marking a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure development. This first vertical-lift sea bridge in the country replaces the century-old Pamban Bridge and stands as a marvel of modern engineering. The bridge, which connects Rameswaram Island to Mandapam on the mainland, is designed for both durability and technological excellence. The inauguration coincided with Ram Navami and PM Modi’s return from Sri Lanka, where he also had a divine aerial view of Ram Setu, symbolically linking the spiritual and structural achievements of the day.

Key Highlights

New Pamban Bridge

• Inauguration Date: April 6, 2025 (Ram Navami)
• Inaugurated by: PM Narendra Modi
• Location: Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
• Purpose: Connects Rameswaram Island with Mandapam on the Indian mainland

Bridge Specifications & Engineering Features

• Total Length: 2.07 km
• Cost of Construction: Over ₹700 crore
• Executing Agency: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) – A Navratna PSU
• Design Type: Vertical-lift bridge
• Lift Span: 72.5 metres (can be vertically lifted to 17 metres)
• Function: Allows ships to pass underneath safely
• Track Capacity: Designed for two railway tracks, currently operating one
• Train Speed Supported: Up to 80 km/h
• Projected Lifespan: 100 years

Advanced Construction Materials & Techniques

• Use of stainless steel reinforcement
• Fully welded joints for enhanced durability
• High-grade protective paint
• Polysiloxane coating to resist marine corrosion
• Minimal maintenance design

Significance and Global Comparisons

Compared with iconic global bridges,

• Golden Gate Bridge (USA)
• Tower Bridge (UK)
• Oresund Bridge (Denmark–Sweden)
• Represents India’s visionary infrastructure progress
• A symbol of modern engineering and national pride

Other Events During the Visit

PM Modi flagged off

• A new Coast Guard ship (which passed under the bridge)
• The Rameswaram–Tambaram (Chennai) train
• Foundation stones laid for rail and road projects worth ₹8,300 crore
• Puja performed at Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Spiritual Significance: Ram Setu Darshan

• PM Modi had aerial Darshan of Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) while returning from Sri Lanka
• Shared the video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter)
• Coincided with the Surya Tilak ceremony in Ayodhya, calling it a “divine coincidence”
• Highlighted Ram Setu’s religious and cultural importance

About Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge)

• A chain of shoals linking Rameswaram Island (India) with Mannar Island (Sri Lanka)
• Length: ~48 km

Geographical Division

• North: Palk Strait (Bay of Bengal inlet)
• South: Gulf of Mannar (Indian Ocean inlet)