Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 06 April, 2025 inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, designed to enhance connectivity between Rameswaram Island and the mainland while accommodating maritime traffic.

Built at a cost of Rs 550 crore, the bridge spans 2.08 km and features 99 spans, including a 72.5-mtrs.-long vertical lift span capable of rising up to 17 mtrs. This design allows large ships to pass underneath without disrupting rail traffic, ensuring efficient and safe movement for both rail and sea transportation. The new bridge replaces the iconic 1914 British-era cantilever Pamban Bridge. The old bridge, with its Scherzer Rolling Lift span, was officially decommissioned in December 2022 due to maintenance challenges and aging infrastructure. 

The Prime Minister also flagged off the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express train from the new bridge and oversaw the passage of a Coast Guard ship beneath the raised span, showcasing the bridge’s advanced operational capabilities. 

Constructed using stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade corrosion-resistant paint, and fully welded joints, the bridge is engineered for durability, especially in a region prone to cyclones and corrosive marine weather.