Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban rail bridge, linking Rameswaram Island to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.

Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited at a cost of ₹531 crore, the 2.07-km bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that can be raised by 17 meters, allowing for smooth ship movement while enhancing rail connectivity.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Old Pamban Bridge: A Historical Engineering Marvel
• New Pamban Bridge

Old Pamban Bridge: A Historical Engineering Marvel

• The 2.05-km long old Pamban bridge, an engineering marvel, served as the sole transportation link between mainland Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram Island for over 70 years.
• It was completed in 1913 and featured a Scherzer rolling lift span, allowing ships to pass underneath.
• The bridge withstood a severe cyclone in 1964, which caused significant damage but was restored quickly.
• It was eventually upgraded to a broad-gauge line in 2007.
• The Idea of Rail Connectivity Between India and Ceylon
  • The idea of establishing rail connectivity between India and Sri Lanka via Adam's Bridge was first explored in 1876.
  • Although proposals were made in 1894 and 1895, the project was abandoned due to high costs and insufficient traffic.
  • In 1906, the idea was revisited, leading to the construction of the Pamban bridge, aimed at promoting tobacco trade between India and Sri Lanka.
• The Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge
  • The Pamban bridge featured a Scherzer rolling lift span, patented by American engineer William Donald Scherzer.
  • The lift span, which could be raised for ship navigation, was a key feature of the bridge.
  • It was opened in 1914, and the bridge remained an essential transport route until its structural deterioration in the 21st century.
• Gauge Conversion and Strengthening
  • During the gauge conversion in 2007, the bridge's structure was strengthened to accommodate broad-gauge trains.
  • The Scherzer lift span was also reinforced to support this upgrade.

New Pamban Bridge

• Over the years, corrosion weakened the old bridge. In 2020, sensors were installed to monitor its health.
• However, by December 2022, the bridge was deemed beyond repair, leading to the suspension of train services.
• Construction of the New Pamban Bridge
  • In 2019, construction of a new bridge began adjacent to the old one, at a cost of ₹535 crore.
  • Despite delays due to COVID-19 and rough sea conditions, the new bridge was completed in November 2024.
• Enhanced Connectivity for Rameswaram
  • The new Pamban bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers, will significantly improve connectivity to Rameswaram, a major spiritual destination.
• Modern Engineering Features
  • The bridge is constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing its durability and reducing maintenance needs.
  • It is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps, and its design accommodates dual rail tracks with potential for future expansion.
  • The use of polysiloxane paint ensures protection against corrosion in the harsh marine environment.
• Safety and Speed of Operations
  • Trains on the new bridge can operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, though the bridge could support speeds up to 160 km/h.
  • Due to a curvature near the Rameswaram end, the speed has been safely limited to 80 km/h. The bridge is designed to safely operate for 100 years.
• Future of the Old Bridge
  • The old bridge will soon be dismantled, and parts of it will be preserved as a tribute to its historical significance.
  • The engineers also praised William Scherzer, the designer of the lift span, whose design has been used in over 150 bridges worldwide.