A Step Towards Progress: PM Modi Inaugurates Landmark Pamban Vertical Lift Bridge

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On the occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a big gift to the country. PM Modi today inaugurated the vertical lift sea bridge built in Pamban, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This 2.07 kilometer long bridge is the country's first vertical lift sea bridge. Equipped with modern technology, this new Pamban bridge can rise above the sea. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of Pamban Bridge in 2019, and in 5 years it has been completed over the sea. This is Asia's first vertical lift sea bridge built from Mandapam to Rameswaram. Its construction cost Rs 535 crore. PM Modi laid its foundation stone in 2019.

This 2.07 kilometer long bridge is special in many ways:

– It has 99 spans of 18.3 metres and one vertical lift span of 72.5 metres. It is 3 metres higher than the old bridge, allowing large ships to pass easily.

– It uses anti-corrosion technology, polysiloxane paint, advanced stainless steel and fibre reinforced plastic, ensuring its long durability.

– Construction of this bridge has proved India's technical superiority in design and certification.

– The new Pamban bridge is safe for train operations at a speed of 80 kmph for 100 years. However, trains can run on this bridge at a speed of 160 kmph.

– It will open from the middle for the ship to pass and can be opened in just 5 minutes. It can be closed in 3 minutes.

– 2.07 kilometer long, 72.2 meter wide bridge was completed in 5 years. The cost of construction is Rs 535 crore.