Why in the News?

The newly constructed Pamban Bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi to replace a 110-year-old structure that connected Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.

About the Pamban Bridge

Originally completed in 1914, it connected Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland of India.
It was India’s first sea bridge and an engineering marvel of its time, featuring a double-leaf bascule span, also known as a Scherzer rolling lift bridge.
It allowed ships to pass through by lifting the bridge.
The bridge stood 12.5 meters above sea level and stretched across 145 piers.
The bridge faced significant challenges, including severe cyclones and the impact of cholera on the workforce during its construction.
Despite these challenges, it stood resilient against vertical tectonic movements and catastrophic events, like the cyclone in 1964, which necessitated major repairs.
In 2022, excessive vibrations were detected, indicating the bridge was unsafe for train operations, leading to its closure in December 2022.
The New Pamban Bridge:
- The new bridge includes a vertical lift span that can be raised in just 5 minutes to allow ships to pass, addressing the limitations of the old bascule design.
- It features a significantly higher clearance of 22 meters above sea level (compared to the old bridge’s 1.5 meters), allowing larger vessels to pass underneath.
- The bridge is designed for trains to travel at speeds up to 75 km/h, a substantial increase from the previous 10 km/h limit.

The old bridge had become unsafe for transit due to severe corrosion and structural weaknesses, as evidenced by excessive vibrations detected in 2022.
The old bridge’s limited speed and weight capacities were inadequate for modern transportation demands and safety standards.
Modernizing the bridge is crucial for enhancing the economic development and touristic appeal of Rameswaram and surrounding areas, known for their religious and cultural significance.
Given the area’s vulnerability to cyclones and high winds, the new bridge’s design incorporates features that ensure durability and operational reliability in extreme weather conditions.