UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 07th April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Prime Minister inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, enhancing connectivity to Rameswaram Island

Prime Minister inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, enhancing connectivity to Rameswaram Island

Why in News?

On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built Pamban rail bridge, linking Rameswaram Island with the mainland at Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu. Developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at an estimated cost of ₹531 crore, the 2.07-kilometre-long bridge spans the Palk Strait. It includes a 72.5-metre vertical lift section capable of rising up to 17 metres, allowing maritime traffic to pass beneath while enhancing rail transport in the region.

New Pamban Bridge

The New Pamban Bridge is a state-of-the-art vertical lift railway bridge connecting Mandapam on India’s mainland with Rameswaram on Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu.
Inaugurated on April 6, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it replaces the century-old Pamban Bridge, enhancing connectivity and maritime navigation in the region.

Key Features of the New Pamban Bridge

Length and Structure: Spanning 2.07 kilometers (1.29 miles), the bridge comprises 100 spans, each measuring 18.3 meters (60 feet).
Vertical Lift Mechanism: A notable feature is its 72-meter (236-foot) vertical lifting section, the first of its kind in India.
This design allows the central span to be raised, enabling ships up to 22 meters (72 feet) in height to pass through, thereby facilitating maritime traffic.
Elevation: Positioned approximately 12.5 meters (41 feet) above sea level, it stands about 3 meters (9.8 feet) higher than the old bridge, providing improved clearance for vessels.
Track Capacity: Engineered to support double-track railway lines, the bridge is designed to accommodate increased rail traffic and future electrification plans.

Background and Construction

The original Pamban Bridge, operational since 1914, faced structural challenges over time, leading to the suspension of rail traffic in December 2022 due to significant corrosion.
Recognizing the need for a modern replacement, the Government of India initiated the construction of the new bridge in February 2020, with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited overseeing the project.

Strategic Significance

The New Pamban Bridge is poised to significantly boost regional connectivity by providing a reliable link to Rameswaram, a prominent pilgrimage destination. Its advanced design not only ensures the safe passage of maritime vessels but also enhances the efficiency of rail transport, contributing to the socio-economic development of the area.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)

RVNL is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Established on January 24, 2003, RVNL serves as the construction arm of Indian Railways, focusing on the development and implementation of rail infrastructure projects across the country.

Mandate and Operations:

RVNL is tasked with executing a diverse range of rail infrastructure projects, including:

Doubling and Tripling of Railway Lines: Enhancing capacity on existing routes to accommodate increased traffic.
Gauge Conversion: Transforming meter-gauge tracks to broad-gauge to ensure uniformity and efficiency.
New Line Construction: Expanding the railway network to improve connectivity to unserved regions.
Railway Electrification: Implementing electrification projects to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Bridge Construction: Building major bridges, including specialized structures like cable-stayed bridges and vertical lift bridges.
Workshops and Production Units: Establishing facilities for manufacturing and maintaining rolling stock and other railway equipment.

The organization undertakes projects from conception to commissioning, often creating Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to mobilize extra-budgetary resources through equity and debt instruments.

Notable Projects:

Vembanad Rail Bridge: Spanning 4.62 kilometers over Vembanad Lake in Kerala, this is the second-longest railway bridge in India, enhancing connectivity to the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal.
Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, Latur: Commissioned in December 2020, this state-of-the-art facility was established to manufacture self-propelled trains, including the Vande Bharat Express.