New Pamban Bridge: India’s First Vertical-Lift in Rameswaram

The Old Pamban Bridge and New Pamban Bridge:

Aspect	Old Pamban Bridge	New Pamban Bridge
Year of Construction	Built in 1914	Scheduled to be inaugurated in 2025
Location	Connects Rameswaram to the mainland of Tamil Nadu	Same location, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland
Length	Approximately 2.06 km	2.07 km
Bridge Type	Cantilever Bridge	Vertical-Lift Rail Bridge
Span Type	Manual opening system for ship passage	Mechanized vertical lift span for automated ship passage
Material	Mainly steel and iron, vulnerable to corrosion	Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement and polysiloxane coating for corrosion resistance
Seismic Safety	Not designed to handle seismic activity	Designed to be seismic-proof, able to withstand earthquakes
Durability	Subject to corrosion and wear over time	Built with advanced materials for a 100-year lifespan
Traffic Handling	Single-track, manual opening delays	Initially single-track, designed for dual-track in the future
Technology	Manual system for opening and closing spans	Automated vertical lift with advanced monitoring systems
Cost	Relatively low cost (early 1900s)	Constructed at a cost of ₹550 crore (approx. $70 million)
Impact on Maritime Traffic	Disrupted rail traffic for ship passage	Seamless integration of ship passage without halting train traffic
Structural Reinforcement	Limited to traditional materials	Advanced materials such as welded joints and stainless steel
Capacity	Limited to manual handling, prone to delays	Higher capacity with automated systems
Safety Features	Manual warning systems for trains and ships	Automated safety systems to manage train and ship movements
Historical Significance	Served for over 100 years, part of India’s heritage	Modern infrastructure with historical ties to Rameswaram
Environmental Impact	Vulnerable to saltwater and harsh weather	Designed to withstand cyclonic storms and saltwater corrosion