On Tuesday evening, engineers conducted a successful test lift of the vertical section of the new Pamban rail bridge. The trial, which began in the morning, involved the central span weighing 630 tonnes and was completed late in the day. During this test, the 72.5-metre-long lift was elevated to its full height of 17 metres.

The historic Pamban Cantilever Bridge
The Pamban Cantilever Bridge, a historic landmark, once connected Mandapam on the Indian mainland with Pamban Island and Rameswaram. Built over a century ago, this iconic structure was showing signs of significant wear and tear.

Construction of the new Pamban rail bridge
In response to these concerns, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) began constructing a new Pamban rail bridge in 2019. The old bridge, deemed unsafe, had its services suspended in December 2022. The construction of the new bridge is progressing in phases.

Key design features
The new bridge will consist of 100 spans of 18.3 meters each, along with one 63-meter navigational span. It will also be elevated by 3.0 meters compared to the old bridge, providing a navigational clearance of 22.0 meters above sea level.

Expected Resumption of Railway Services
Official sources indicate that railway services to Rameswaram are expected to resume by the end of October, pending the completion of final tasks such as track inspections and electrical line installations.