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Pamban Bridge – India’s First Sea Bridge & a Must-Visit Marvel in Tamil Nadu

Pamban Bridge – India’s First Sea Bridge & a Must-Visit Marvel in Tamil Nadu

Pamban Bridge: India’s First Sea Bridge – History, Facts & Travel Guide

Known to be India’s first sea bridge, the Pamban Bridge is an engineering marvel and one of its kind. Pamban Bridge is the bridge connecting the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India.

With 143 piers, spanning 2 kilometres between the mainland and the island, Pamban Bridge is the second longest sea bridge in India after the 2.3 kilometres long Bandra-Worli sea link in Mumbai’s western coast.

Pamban Bridge is located in Rameswaram which forms the south eastern tip of India. Rameswaram connects itself to mainland India through this century old sea bridge.

The Unique Design of Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge is the first cantilever bridge to be built. The double-leaf bascule section of the bridge was constructed a century ago, so that the ferry services are not interrupted. The bridge opens into two facilitating the ships and ferries to cross the Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram and Pamban Island. The splitting of the bridge is a breathtaking sight to marvel.

The bridge consists of over 140 spans with midway along the bridge (i.e 114th​ span) being called Scherzer span. The total length of the bridge is 2.057 kilometres. It has 145 spans of 12.20 metres steel girder and Scherzer navigational rolling lift span of 225 metres.

The Construction of Pamban Bridge

The construction of the rail bridge commenced by 1911 and was commissioned in February 24, 1914. German engineer Scherzer designed the central part of the bridge that opens up to allow ferry movement. On an average, 10 to 15 boats and small ships cross from beneath the bridge every month.

The cyclonic storm of 1964 that flattened the port town Dhanushkodi caused a huge damage to the bridge but the rolling life centre span was not damaged. Around 600 workers and 4000 tonnes of cement were used for the construction of the bridge.

Maintenance of the Bridge

The cyclone in 1964 led to a tragic train accident, after which the Indian Railways installed devices to check the wind velocity across the Pamban via duct. Train movement is halted on the bridge when the wind speed exceeds 58 kmph. The railway line on Pamban Bridge was converted from metre-gauge to broad-gauge in the year 2007.

Pamban Road Bridge – The Parallel Beauty!

Apart from the railway bridge, there is also a road bridge that connects Rameswaram to the mainland. Officially called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, this bridge was opened in 1988 and runs parallel to the railway bridge. It is about 2.3 km long and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, fishing boats, and the railway bridge below.

Driving across this bridge is a thrilling experience, especially during sunrise or sunset when the golden light reflects off the water. The bridge is also a favorite spot for photographers and tourists who stop by to take in the scenic beauty. If you want the best view of the railway bridge, this road bridge is the perfect place to stop and watch the trains pass over the sea.

The New Pamban Bridge: India’s First Vertical Sea-Bridge

Recognizing the need for modernization, construction of a new Pamban Bridge commenced in February 2020. This contemporary structure, spanning 2,070 meters, features India’s first vertical lift mechanism, allowing sections to rise for maritime passage. Designed to accommodate double-track railway lines and future electrification, the new bridge stands 3 meters higher than its predecessor, enhancing both capacity and safety. As of September 2024, construction was completed, with trial runs conducted in October 2024. The bridge is slated to open for traffic on April 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructural development. ​

How to Reach Pamban Bridge

The bridge is located 14.8 kilometres from Rameswaram. Public or private transport is available to Pamban Bridge from Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram. Rameswaram has its own railway station. The nearest airports are at Madurai, around 120 kilometres from Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi which is around 145 kilometres from Ramanathapuram.

Epilogue

Pamban Bridge is one of the prime attractions of Tamil Nadu. Take a ride over the fascinating Pamban Bridge for a thrilling experience. The bridge also offers a spectacular view of the sea, Rameswaram Island, Kunthukal Vivekananda Memorial and the nearby islands. One can also have a fun family time in the Children’s Park at Mandapam shore at the farther end of Pamban Bridge.