- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indian Railways News: The new 2.05 kilometre Pamban Bridge, which is ready to be dedicated to the nation, will allow trains to cross the sea between mainland India and Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu in less than five minutes. Earlier, the same distance took around 25-30 minutes on the old structure, railway officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate it within the next few weeks, though a date is yet to be decided, the official added, as quoted by news agency PTI.
"Trains used to take 25-30 minutes to cross the old colonial-era Pamban Bridge between Mandapam and Rameswaram Islands due to a speed limit of 10 kmph. It was closed for traffic in 2022. On the new bridge, trains will pass at a maximum speed of 75 kmph," the official said during a media visit.
Trials have been completed on the new bridge and safety certifications have been received, he said.
"The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has approved a speed limit of 75 kmph for the bridge, except for the vertical lift portion. The new bridge is designed for 80 kmph. Due to a curve, the CRS has approved a speed limit of 75 kmph. For the lift span alone, he has permitted 50 kmph," N Shrinivasan, senior deputy general manager of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency for the bridge, told PTI.
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The new Pamban Bridge is the first vertical lift bridge in Asia, he informed.
The Railways will decide whether to dismantle the iconic 111-year-old Pamban Bridge after the new one is opened for traffic, the official said.
(With Agency Inputs)