New Pamban bridge will have a positive impact on the lives of lakhs of people: PM Modi at Rameswaram

Ramanathapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge, Tamil Nadu. During the event, PM Modi highlighted the historical significance of the project, noting how the new bridge connects the "thousands of years old" city of Rameswaram with a modern engineering marvel.

"A town that is thousands of years old is being connected by the 21st-century engineering wonder. I thank our engineers and workers for their hard work. This bridge is India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Big ships will be able to sail under it, and trains will also be able to travel faster on it," said PM Modi. He added that the New Pamban bridge will have a positive impact on the lives of lakhs of people.

He also dedicated the Pamban Bridge and several national highway projects to the nation while laying the foundation stone for additional road infrastructure initiatives. The Prime Minister emphasized that the new train service connecting Rameswaram to Chennai and other parts of the country would greatly enhance connectivity, benefiting both trade and tourism in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, while highlighting the 'Surya Tilak' in Ayodhya, PM Modi added, "Today is the holy festival of Ram Navami; just a short while ago, in the grand Ram Temple of Ayodhya, the rays of the sun performed a magnificent tilak on Ram Lalla."

"The life of Lord Ram and the inspiration of good governance derived from his reign form a significant foundation for nation-building," the PM added.

Earlier, PM Modi also offered prayers at the Ramanathaswamy Temple in the State.

The 'Surya Tilak' occurred exactly at noon when a beam of sunlight precisely directed on the forehead idol of Ram Lalla and formed a celestial tilak. Visuals showed priests offering prayers to Ram Lalla during the Surya Tilak.

PM Modi had flagged off the first train traversing the New Pamban Bridge, India's first vertical sea lift bridge.

The 2.07-kilometre-long New Pamban Bridge, spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development.

A demonstration of the bridge's functionality showcased its capabilities, with visuals from the area capturing key moments-- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) boat successfully navigated under the bridge, highlighting its clearance and waterway accessibility. Following the boat's passage, a train traversed the bridge, demonstrating its structural integrity and rail connectivity. (ANI)