What Will Happen To The Old Pamban Bridge After The New One Opens?
The new Pamban Bridge, connecting Rameshwaram by rail, will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Ram Navami. The old bridge, closed since December 2022, will be demolished starting June
The new Pamban Bridge, designed to connect Rameshwaram by rail, has been completed and will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Ram Navami. This development will allow direct train travel to Pamban from any part of the country.
The old Pamban Bridge, which has been closed for over two years due to security concerns and having reached the end of its lifespan, raises questions about its future.
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The Ministry of Railways stated that the old Pamban Bridge was closed on 23 December 2022, and currently, trains operate only up to Mandapam.
The foundation stone for the new bridge was laid in Kanyakumari in March 2019, with construction commencing in November. The new bridge is now ready for operation.
The old Pamban Bridge has a storied history, having survived the 1964 cyclone that severely impacted Dhanushkodi, submerging an entire train in the sea. The bridge sustained minor damage and was renovated and made operational again within 46 days.
It was further strengthened in 2009 for freight transport. Until 1988, it was the sole road link to Rameshwaram, after which a separate road bridge was constructed.
The Railway Ministry has decided to demolish the old bridge, deeming its maintenance unjustifiable. The demolition process is expected to begin in June. Given the bridge’s location in the sea, removing the debris will be time-consuming, as it cannot be left in place due to passing ships.
The new Pamban Bridge spans 2.2 kilometres and is India’s first vertical lift railway bridge, rising 22 metres above sea level. It features electro-mechanical controlled systems interlocked with the train control system, preventing it from lifting while trains are arriving or departing.
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