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Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu reimagined: Reviving the Chennai-Colombo rail link dream�?/span>

Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu reimagined: Reviving the Chennai-Colombo rail link dream�?/span>

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 11, 2025, 15:01 IST

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India's historic Pamban Bridge, vital for connecting mainland India to Rameswaram, has been replaced by a new vertical lift railway sea bridge inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on April 6, 2025. This INR 535 crore structure revives the vision of direct rail connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, reminiscent of the Indo-Ceylon Boat Mail service. The bridge features a 72.

Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu reimagined: Reviving the Chennai-Colombo rail link dream�? decoding=

The Pamban Bridge is one of the most historic bridges in India because of its connection with the epic Ramayana. The bridge connects mainland India to Rameswaram on Pamban Island, and has long been a symbol of connectivity.
On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new vertical lift railway sea bridge, replacing the 110-year-old structure that had been damaged in the 1964 cyclone. This engineering marvel not only restores an important link but also revives the longstanding vision of a direct rail connection between India and Sri Lanka.
Historical significance
The concept of linking India with Sri Lanka via rail is not new. The idea dates back to British colonial times soon after the completion of the original Pamban Bridge in 1914. It connected Mandapam on the mainland to Rameswaram Island. This bridge allowed the Indo-Ceylon Boat Mail service, allowing passengers to travel by train from Madras (now Chennai) to Dhanushkodi, then cross the Palk Strait by ferry to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and continue by train to Colombo.

But the bridge was destroyed in the 1964 cyclone along with the connecting railway line, which stopped all the mode of travel.
The New Pamban Bridge
The new Pamban Bridge was inaugurated in April. This 2.07 km-long vertical lift structure is also India's first sea bridge with such a unique design. It is constructed at a cost of approximately INR 535 crore, and the bridge features 99 spans and a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that rises 17 meters to allow ships to pass.
This design enhances both rail and maritime traffic efficiency. The bridge's foundations are built to support future dual-track electrification, indicating readiness for expanded rail services.
Reviving the India-Sri Lanka Rail Link

The completion of the new Pamban Bridge has reignited discussions about restoring the direct rail link between India and Sri Lanka. One proposal involves constructing a bridge or tunnel across the Palk Strait, connecting Rameswaram to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka's Mannar Island.
Such a project would require significant investment and international collaboration. While no official plans have been announced, the renewed focus on regional connectivity and infrastructure development suggests that this vision may move closer to reality in the coming years.
Bridging the two historic nations
The inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge also marks a major milestone in India's infrastructure development, restoring a crucial link to Rameswaram and enhancing regional connectivity.
Looking ahead, the bridge serves as a foundation for future projects aimed at re-establishing direct rail connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, potentially transforming travel and trade between the two nations.

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