New Pamban, India's first vertical lift railway bridge nears completion

20 Nov 2023 CW Team

As of now, the new Pamban Bridge stands at 90% completion, with its foundation stone laid by PM Narendra Modi in 2019. Designed to accommodate a double railway line and future electrification, aligning with Indian Railways' broad gauge network electrification initiative. Spanning just over 2 kilometres, the bridge boasts 99 spans featuring 18.3-meter-long girders, with a navigational span extending 63 meters.

A standout feature is the vertical lift facility, a pioneering addition in India. This mechanism, interlocked with the train control system, enables smooth passage for boats beneath the bridge. During shipping traffic, rail operations pause, allowing the vertical lift span to ascend, creating ample clearance for boats. This vertical lift, unprecedented in the country, provides a full horizontal length of 72.5 meters for navigation. Notably, the new Pamban Bridge surpasses its predecessor, standing 3 meters higher and offering a navigational air clearance of 22 meters above mean sea level.

In contrast, the old Pamban Bridge relied on the manual operation of the Scherzer's Span, a 61-meter steel truss named after the bridge's engineer. This truss opened up to 81 degrees in the vertical plane to facilitate boat passage. The current non-operational state of the old Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge inaugurated in 1914, led to its suspension of rail traffic in December 2022. Red alerts from sensors prompted this action, and concerns about stability voiced by IIT-Madras and the Research Design and Standards Organisation of Indian Railways resulted in its permanent closure.

With the imminent opening of the new Pamban Bridge, designated as Indian Railways' Bridge No 346, the aging icon will be retired, potentially paving the way for its dismantling.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

India's inaugural vertical lift railway bridge over the sea, the new Pamban Bridge, is a captivating marvel set to link Rameswaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam on the mainland. Anticipated for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming months, this engineering feat is being constructed alongside the existing Pamban Bridge by Rail Vikas Nigam at an estimated cost of Rs 5.35 billion. Here are some noteworthy aspects that distinguish the new Pamban Bridge: As of now, the new Pamban Bridge stands at 90% completion, with its foundation stone laid by PM Narendra Modi in 2019. Designed to accommodate a double railway line and future electrification, aligning with Indian Railways' broad gauge network electrification initiative. Spanning just over 2 kilometres, the bridge boasts 99 spans featuring 18.3-meter-long girders, with a navigational span extending 63 meters. A standout feature is the vertical lift facility, a pioneering addition in India. This mechanism, interlocked with the train control system, enables smooth passage for boats beneath the bridge. During shipping traffic, rail operations pause, allowing the vertical lift span to ascend, creating ample clearance for boats. This vertical lift, unprecedented in the country, provides a full horizontal length of 72.5 meters for navigation. Notably, the new Pamban Bridge surpasses its predecessor, standing 3 meters higher and offering a navigational air clearance of 22 meters above mean sea level. In contrast, the old Pamban Bridge relied on the manual operation of the Scherzer's Span, a 61-meter steel truss named after the bridge's engineer. This truss opened up to 81 degrees in the vertical plane to facilitate boat passage. The current non-operational state of the old Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge inaugurated in 1914, led to its suspension of rail traffic in December 2022. Red alerts from sensors prompted this action, and concerns about stability voiced by IIT-Madras and the Research Design and Standards Organisation of Indian Railways resulted in its permanent closure. With the imminent opening of the new Pamban Bridge, designated as Indian Railways' Bridge No 346, the aging icon will be retired, potentially paving the way for its dismantling.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..