New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge was inaugurated in Tamil Nadu. This modern marvel replaces 110-year-old Pamban Bridge, which was decommissioned in 2022 due to age and maintenance challenges.
New Pamban Bridge Key Feature
Location & Connectivity:
- Situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
- Spans the Palk Strait, connecting Rameswaram Island with Mandapam on Indian mainland.
Structural Highlights:
- Length: The new bridge is 2.08 kilometres long.
- Spans: It comprises 99 spans across the strait.
- Vertical-Lift Mechanism: A standout feature is its 72.5-metre navigational span, which can be vertically lifted up to 17 metres. This lift span allows large ships to pass without disrupting train services. The new vertical-lift design ensures uninterrupted rail connectivity while accommodating growing maritime traffic.
- Sea Clearance: Built 3 metres higher than the old bridge, providing improved clearance for maritime traffic.
Engineering & Design:
- Support Structure: Supported by 333 piles and 101 pile caps.
- Dual-Track Capability: Although currently operating a single line, its substructure is designed to support two railway tracks, accommodating heavy freight traffic and semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
- Train Speed: Cleared for train speeds up to 80 kmph.
- Lifespan: Constructed to last for 100 years, using advanced engineering techniques to minimize maintenance.
Materials & Techniques:
- Uses stainless steel reinforcement, fully welded joints, and high-grade protective coatings (including polysiloxane) to combat corrosion in a harsh marine environment.
- The lift span girder was assembled using an “Auto Launching Method based on Relationship Principle,” developed by Suntech Construction and verified by IIT Madras.
- Offsite painting, inspection, and the use of EOT cranes on temporary platforms ensured precision assembly.
- Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) was employed for accurate welding checks.
Cost & Construction:
- Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways.
- The project cost was approximately ₹550 crore.
Comparative Marvel:
- New Pamban Bridge is being compared with iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge (USA), Tower Bridge (UK), and the Oresund Bridge (Denmark-Sweden), due to its modern design and cutting-edge technology.
Background
Historical Context:
- The original Pamban Bridge was built in 1914 by British engineers as a cantilever structure with a manually operated Scherzer’s span. It was a crucial link for trade, pilgrimage, and tourism between Rameswaram and the mainland.
- Over time, corrosion and escalating maintenance costs led to its decommissioning in 2022.
- The foundation stone for the new bridge was laid in 2019, following government approval to replace the aging structure.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance:
- The Pamban region holds deep spiritual significance, as the Ramayana recounts the construction of Ram Setu beginning from Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram.
- For over a century, the original bridge was a vital lifeline for pilgrims, traders, and tourists.