Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 20 (HBTV): The Indian Railways, which is on the path of development, is now moving towards showcasing a classic example of an engineering marvel with the newly built Pamban Bridge.

Celebrated as one of the most iconic structures built by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, a PSU under Indian Railways, the Pamban Bridge connects the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Pamban Island and Rameswaram.

The new bridge has 100 spans of 18.3 m each and one navigational span of 63 m. It will be 3.0 metres higher than the existing bridge, with navigational air clearance of 22.0 metres above sea level.

Talking to ANI, the electrical engineer of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL), M. Dinesh, said that in comparison to the existing manual operation and control, the new bridge has electro-mechanical controlled systems, which will be interlocked with train control systems. Also, a counterweight mechanism is applied to operate the bridge, which consumes less electricity.

He mentioned that if any ship wants to pass under the bridge, it will have to coordinate with the maritime department. The department will then coordinate with Railways and grant permission. To give passage to any ship, train operations will have to stop for approximately two hours.

Talking to ANI, the executive director of RVNL, B. N. Singh, said that the Pamban Bridge is a 2.05 km long bridge with a unique vertical lift span, one of its kind in the country and second in the world. The design of this steel bridge has been done by TYPSA, an international consultant. The bridge is designed with European and Indian codes. This bridge will prove to be a milestone.

He further added that in the old bridge, a vertical clearance of only 1.5 m was available between the high tide level and the bottom of the girder, resulting in the splashing of seawater on the girders. In comparison, the new bridge is 3.0 m higher than the existing bridge, with navigational air clearance of 22.0 m above sea level.

While executive director, information and publication of Railway Board, Dilip Kumar, said that the old Pamban Bridge was commissioned on February 24, 1914. Now, the time has come to move forward with new technologies. This bridge will connect Rameswaram Island to the mainland.

Mentioning the technology for the operation of the new bridge for ship movement, Kumar said that because of the vertical lift, the full horizontal width of 63 m will be available for navigation.

It is pertinent to mention that the sea bridge is executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at a cost of INR 535 crore. The bridge will allow the Indian Railways to operate trains at a higher speed. It will also increase traffic between the mainland of India and Rameswaram Island.

It is notable that the Great Pamban Bridge attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Offering a visual feast to the onlookers, the modern technology spans beautifully expand and allow cruisers and ships to pass through. The bridge transports scores of pilgrims visiting the famed Ramanathaswamy Temple.   

(ANI)