Pamban Bridge: India's sea lift bridge in Rameswaram faces 'curve' test
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Pamban Bridge: India's sea lift bridge in Rameswaram faces 'curve' test

The RVNL official stated that a significant challenge has emerged in the construction of the Pamban railway bridge, India's inaugural vertical-lift bridge linking the mainland with Rameswaram island, owing to a sharp curve. This curve, in addition to the mechanical complexities and turbulent sea conditions, has posed an additional obstacle for the Railways. The RVNL, tasked with erecting this 2.08-km-long bridge, is encountering substantial difficulty in transporting a lift span measuring 72.5 metres in length, 16 meters in width, and weighing 550 tonnes, from the Rameshwaram end to a distance of 450 metres into the sea to affix it to the bridge.

We commenced the transportation of this lift span on March 10th, and thus far, we have managed to shift the 550-tonne lift span 80 metres towards the centre of the bridge. The primary challenge lies in the 2.65-degree curved alignment of the bridge. If it were straight, progress would have been swifter, explained a senior RVNL official, noting that the curved configuration was necessitated by various alignment adjustments.

The RVNL aims to conclude the movement of the lift span to its ultimate fixing position by the end of May, requiring an additional 370 metres of transportation.

Once we surpass the curved section, we can accelerate its movement. We've exercised great caution while maneuvering it in the sea due to its size and weight, necessitating precise execution at every stage, the official remarked.

With a deadline set for June 30 to operationalise the bridge, RVNL officials affirm their utmost efforts to meet the target.

Once the lift span is affixed, the remaining tasks are manageable, expressed another RVNL official.

Furthermore, he elaborated, This lift span can be automatically raised to a height of up to 17 meters to allow passage for ships. The ascending and descending process takes approximately 5 minutes each and will be scheduled to minimize disruptions to train services.

The RVNL commissioned the design of this lift span from the Spanish firm TYPSA, with manufacturing undertaken at Sattirakkudi Railway Station, located 20 kilometres from the coastline.

We transported it in various segments and assembled it here at the coast because transporting such a massive structure from the manufacturing site was impractical, clarified the RVNL official.

The RVNL official stated that a significant challenge has emerged in the construction of the Pamban railway bridge, India's inaugural vertical-lift bridge linking the mainland with Rameswaram island, owing to a sharp curve. This curve, in addition to the mechanical complexities and turbulent sea conditions, has posed an additional obstacle for the Railways. The RVNL, tasked with erecting this 2.08-km-long bridge, is encountering substantial difficulty in transporting a lift span measuring 72.5 metres in length, 16 meters in width, and weighing 550 tonnes, from the Rameshwaram end to a distance of 450 metres into the sea to affix it to the bridge. We commenced the transportation of this lift span on March 10th, and thus far, we have managed to shift the 550-tonne lift span 80 metres towards the centre of the bridge. The primary challenge lies in the 2.65-degree curved alignment of the bridge. If it were straight, progress would have been swifter, explained a senior RVNL official, noting that the curved configuration was necessitated by various alignment adjustments. The RVNL aims to conclude the movement of the lift span to its ultimate fixing position by the end of May, requiring an additional 370 metres of transportation. Once we surpass the curved section, we can accelerate its movement. We've exercised great caution while maneuvering it in the sea due to its size and weight, necessitating precise execution at every stage, the official remarked. With a deadline set for June 30 to operationalise the bridge, RVNL officials affirm their utmost efforts to meet the target. Once the lift span is affixed, the remaining tasks are manageable, expressed another RVNL official. Furthermore, he elaborated, This lift span can be automatically raised to a height of up to 17 meters to allow passage for ships. The ascending and descending process takes approximately 5 minutes each and will be scheduled to minimize disruptions to train services. The RVNL commissioned the design of this lift span from the Spanish firm TYPSA, with manufacturing undertaken at Sattirakkudi Railway Station, located 20 kilometres from the coastline. We transported it in various segments and assembled it here at the coast because transporting such a massive structure from the manufacturing site was impractical, clarified the RVNL official.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?