Pamban railway bridge set for inauguration on April 6; PM Modi to preside

CHENNAI: The newly constructed Pamban railway bridge, a crucial infrastructure project enhancing rail connectivity to Rameswaram, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh announced on Wednesday.

Notably, April 6 falls on a Sunday and is celebrated as Rama Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama. The occasion adds religious significance to the Prime Minister’s visit as he would visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.

Arriving in Rameswaram on a special inspection train, Singh conducted a thorough review of the bridge, ongoing developments at Rameswaram railway station, and rehearsals for the high-profile inauguration ceremony.

Speaking to reporters following the inspection, Singh confirmed, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the new Pamban railway bridge on April 6. In preparation for the event, we are closely reviewing all necessary arrangements. Additionally, the Prime Minister will flag off a special train from Rameswaram to Tambaram."

Addressing concerns about the fate of the historic old Pamban railway bridge, Singh stated, "A decision regarding the removal of the old suspension bridge will be taken at a later stage. Given its deteriorated condition and the complexities involved in dismantling it, further evaluation is required. Meanwhile, discussions with the Tamil Nadu government are ongoing regarding the resumption of the Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi train service, and work will commence soon after reaching a consensus."

With just days left for the grand inauguration, final preparations are in full swing.

Senior railway officials have been conducting extensive inspections of key infrastructure points, including the bridge and Rameswaram railway station.

To ensure a seamless event, authorities have carried out three full-scale rehearsals.

On March 22, a high-level team led by Additional General Manager (AGM) Kaushal Kishore undertook a comprehensive assessment of critical locations across Rameswaram and Pamban.

The team reviewed logistical and security arrangements at key sites, including the Rameswaram temple premises, Mandapam camp helipad, Kunthukal, Mandapam railway station, and the Pamban road bridge, ensuring that all necessary measures are in place for the landmark event.

As per a report, the inauguration ceremony will be attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly from Tamil Nadu, Senior BJP leaders, and party workers.

Later in the day, PM is expected to attend a public meeting and will later depart for Delhi from Madurai airport.

Stretching up to a length of 2.1 km, the bridge was commissioned in February 2019 and was completed in November 2024. The weight of the vertical lift span of the bridge, part of the indige which rises up vertically, is 660 MT.

To enhance safety and efficiency, the Indian Railways undertook a major renovation project, replacing the old structure with a new state-of-the-art bridge.

According to officials, the new bridge can handle up to 12 trains a day initially, which can be increased while the authorised maximum train speed is 75 km per hour.

The old Pamban Bridge was commissioned for metre gauge traffic on February 24, 1914. It was further strengthened for a broad gauge standard. The last train that passed over the old bridge was in 2022.

(With Online Desk inputs)

Full View