New Pamban Bridge

On April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, located in Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• Spanning 2.07 kilometers across the Palk Strait, the bridge connects Pamban (Rameswaram) Island with Mandapam on the mainland, replacing the century-old structure originally built in 1914 by British engineers.

• Sanctioned in 2019 and constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the new bridge is three meters taller than its predecessor, allowing improved maritime traffic flow beneath.

• It’s been engineered for greater speed, load capacity, and navigation clearance.

• PM Modi also flagged off the first train to cross the new structure, marking a significant moment in India’s infrastructure journey.

• The bridge now stands alongside global icons such as Tower Bridge (London), Golden Gate Bridge (USA), and the Øresund Bridge (Denmark–Sweden) in terms of design and innovation.