PM Modi to Inaugurate New Pamban Rail Bridge, Launch Key Infrastructure Projects in Tamil Nadu on Ram Navami

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu on April 6, marking the occasion of Ram Navami with a series of key infrastructure inaugurations, including the much-awaited New Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge connecting Rameswaram to the mainland.

At around 12 noon, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the state-of-the-art bridge, flag off a new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service, and also witness the bridge’s operational movement. Later, at 12:45 PM, he will visit and perform darshan and pooja at the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.

A Modern Engineering Marvel: New Pamban Rail Bridge

The New Pamban Rail Bridge, built at a cost of over ₹550 crore, is a major milestone in India’s railway infrastructure. Spanning 2.08 km, it features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises up to 17 metres to allow ships to pass underneath. Equipped with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective coatings, and fully welded joints, the bridge is designed to be durable in harsh marine conditions. It is also future-ready, accommodating dual rail tracks for increasing traffic demands.

This bridge replaces the historic Pamban Bridge, which was India’s first sea bridge, commissioned in 1914. Given its close proximity to Dhanushkodi, where, according to the Ramayana, Lord Ram’s army built the Ram Setu, the bridge holds deep cultural and religious significance.

PM to Unveil ₹8,300 Crore Worth of Rail & Road Projects

In addition to inaugurating the bridge, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu. These include:

• Highway Projects:
  • Walajapet – Ranipet section (NH-40) – 28 km four-laning
  • Viluppuram – Puducherry section (NH-332) – 29 km four-laned highway
  • Poondiyankuppam – Sattanathapuram section (NH-32) – 57 km four-laning
  • Cholapuram – Thanjavur section (NH-36) – 48 km four-laning

These highways will boost connectivity to major pilgrim sites, tourist destinations, medical institutions, ports, and industrial hubs, enabling faster transport of goods and services.

Strengthening Tamil Nadu’s Growth & Connectivity

PM Modi’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s infrastructure, particularly in southern states. The New Pamban Rail Bridge, combined with strategic road projects, is expected to enhance regional development, boost trade, tourism, and facilitate faster transportation.

With these initiatives, Tamil Nadu is poised to witness a major leap in connectivity, reinforcing its role as a key economic and cultural hub in the country.