Pamban Bridge Tamil Nadu: Location, facts, nearby attractions

Pamban Bridge is a 2.06-km railway bridge and an important landmark in Tamil Nadu, which connects Mandapam town to Rameswaram on Pamban Island. The bridge is known for its unique features enabling ships to pass through the sea.

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Rameswaram island is connected to the mainland by the 100-year-old Pamban railway bridge. This bridge is 1 metre broad and 2.5 km long, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. Your train ride is an experience thanks to the grandeur all around you and the narrowness of this bridge. The Pamban Bridge, which connects the shore to the island over 2 km, has 143 piers.

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See also: Howrah Bridge Kolkata: Fact guide

Pamban Bridge: Location

The Pamban Rail Bridge links the towns of Mandapam on the peninsula and Rameswaram on Pamban Island, both of which are found in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district. The Palk Strait, which divides the Indian landmass from the island of Sri Lanka, is crossed by this railway bridge. It is regarded as one of India’s architectural wonders and one of the most recognisable sites in Tamil Nadu.

Pamban Bridge: Interesting facts

The Rameshwaram Bridge was considered the longest sea bridge in India until the inauguration of the Bandra-Worli sea link in 2010.
The bridge was the only surface transport linking Rameswaram to India’s mainland until 1988.
Pamban Bridge is the oldest sea bridge in India, measuring around two kilometres in length. It was completed in 1914, and connects the Indian mainland to Pamban Island.
The Pamban Bridge is a cantilever bridge, which means it is supported by horizontal beams that are anchored at one end and project outwards into space at the other end.
The bridge has a unique design that allows it to open in the middle to let ships pass through. The central part of the bridge can be lifted to an angle of 45 degrees to allow the passage of large vessels.
The Pamban Bridge is also known as the ‘Queen of Indian Bridges’ and is considered an engineering marvel. It was constructed by a German engineer named Scherzer and was designed to withstand high winds, cyclones and rough seas.
The construction of the Pamban Bridge was a challenging task due to the strong winds and cyclones that hit the area. The engineers used a combination of concrete and steel to make the bridge strong enough to withstand these forces.
On December 23, 2022, the bascule of the old Pamban bridge was damaged due to extreme corrosion and sensors sent red alerts. Since then, Southern Railway suspended transportation on the bridge permanently.
On December 22, 2022, the last train on the bridge was Train No. 07695 Secunderabad Rameswaram Special, which completed its commercial journey.
The Pamban Bridge is not only a vital link between the mainland and Pamban Island, but it is also an important symbol of the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
Rameswaram, the town on Pamban Island, is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, and the bridge is an integral part of the pilgrimage route.
The Pamban Bridge was the only land link between India and Sri Lanka until the construction of the Indo-Sri Lanka Thiruvalluvar Friendship Bridge, which was completed in 2010.
The Pamban Bridge has been the setting for several films, including the popular Indian movie ‘Chennai Express’ starring Shah Rukh Khan.
The Pamban Bridge has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years. In 2018, the Indian government announced plans to build a new vertical-lift bridge alongside the Pamban Bridge to improve connectivity and accommodate more trains.
The Pamban Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and draws thousands of visitors every year. The bridge offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding islands, and the experience of crossing the bridge is a unique and memorable one for many.

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Pamban Bridge Rameshwaram: Construction timeline

1870: The plan for this bridge was first made as the British administration looked for ways to increase trade with Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon).

1914: The construction of the Pamban Bridge was completed, and it was opened in February 1914.

1911: The construction works began in August 1911.

1964: The Pamban bridge was damaged due to cyclone.

1988: The Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, a road bridge was constructed parallel to the Pamban rail bridge.

2009: Strengthening work on the bridge was undertaken.

2018: The bridge was closed due to maintenance work. The government announced that a new railway bridge will be developed near the old Pamban Bridge at a cost of Rs 250 cr.

Pamban Bridge: Features

Pamban bridge in Rameshwaram covers a 2.06-km wide strait between the mainland and Rameshwaram island.
It is built 12.5 metres above sea level and has a length of 6.7 ft (2.06-m).
The bridge, a conventional bridge constructed on concrete piers, has 143 piers. However, it includes a double-leaf bascule section with a Scherzer rolling-type lift span that can be moved to allow ships and barges to pass. The weight of each half of the lifting span is 415 tonnes.
The two leaves of the Pamban bridge are opened manually through levers.
The new dual-track Pamban bridge will be constructed in automotive mode, facilitating the movement of two ships at the same time.

How to reach Rameshwaram Bridge?

Air: The international airport in Madurai is 120 km from Ramanathapuram and 170 km from Rameshwaram.
Train: People can reach Rameshwaram by crossing the Pamban Bridge from trains. There is a railway station about 1.3 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple.
Bus: Public and private transport is available from Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram.

Rameshwaram Bridge: Latest updates

Pamban Bridge construction to complete by June 2023

The construction of the new Pamban bridge will be completed before the end of June 2023, as per an official statement by Southern Railways. The department will also redevelop the Rameswaram Station to provide a world-class ambience, futuristic infrastructure, and airport-like facilities for passengers. Two terminals, one on the east and one on the north side, have been proposed to be constructed.

Pamban Bridge: Places to visit nearby

There are several places to visit near Pamban Bridge, including a variety of cultural, religious and natural attractions.

Rameswaram Temple

This famous Hindu temple is located on Pamban Island and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dhanushkodi Beach

This secluded beach is located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island and offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. It is also home to the remains of an old town that was destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

This ancient temple is located in the town of Rameswaram and is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is thought that this is where Lord Rama constructed the bridge leading to Sri Lanka in order to rescue his wife, Sita.

Adam’s Bridge

Also known as Rama Setu, this natural bridge is located between Pamban Island and Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built by Lord Rama and his army to cross the sea to Sri Lanka.

Ariyaman Beach

This beautiful beach is located about 27 kilometres from Rameswaram and offers pristine white sand and clear blue waters. It is a fantastic location for swimming, tanning and relaxation.

Pamban Island

This small island is located between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka and is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge. It is home to several fishing villages, temples and scenic spots.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

This national park is located about 60 kilometres from Rameswaram and is known for its rich marine biodiversity. It is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving.

FAQs

What is Pamban Bridge?

Pamban Bridge, also known as the Pamban Rail Bridge, is a cantilever bridge that connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland town of Mandapam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It spans the Palk Strait, which separates the Indian mainland from the island of Sri Lanka.

When was Pamban Bridge constructed?

Pamban Bridge was constructed between 1911 and 1914 by a German engineer named Scherzer. It was built to connect Pamban Island to the mainland and to provide a railway link between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

How long is Pamban Bridge?

Pamban Bridge is approximately 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) in length, making it the longest and oldest sea bridge in India.

Can Pamban Bridge be opened?

Yes, Pamban Bridge can be opened in the middle to allow ships to pass through. The central part of the bridge can be lifted to an angle of 45 degrees to allow the passage of large vessels.

Who built the Rameshwaram Bridge?

Rameshwaram Bridge was constructed by the British Railways in 1885. It took nearly 29 years to complete the project.

Where is Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge?

The Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge is in Rameshwaram, connecting the National Highway 49 with the island.

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Harini Balasubramanian

Harini is a content management professional with over 12 years of experience. She has contributed articles for various domains, including real estate, finance, health and travel insurance and e-governance. She has in-depth experience in writing well-researched articles on property trends, infrastructure, taxation, real estate projects and related topics. A Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, Harini prefers reading motivational books and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the real estate sector.