Rameswaram: The forthcoming New Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram is poised to revolutionize maritime and rail connectivity between mainland India and Pamban Island. A standout feature of this engineering marvel is its New Pamban Bridge vertical lift span, designed to facilitate the seamless passage of larger vessels through the Palk Strait.
Spanning approximately 2.07 kilometers over the Bay of Bengal, the New Pamban Bridge vertical lift span is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge. It comprises 100 spans, with 99 spans measuring 18.3 meters each and a central navigational span of 72.5 meters. This central span is equipped with an electro-mechanical system that allows it to be lifted to a height of 17 meters, enabling ships to pass through effortlessly.
The vertical lift span is a significant advancement over the old Pamban Bridge’s manual Scherzer rolling lift mechanism. The New Pamban Bridge vertical lift span system’s ability to elevate the central span to 17 meters ensures that even larger vessels can navigate the channel without hindrance. This enhancement is expected to boost maritime trade and tourism in the region by providing a more efficient route for maritime traffic.
Beyond its maritime benefits, the New Pamban Bridge vertical lift span is set to improve rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a renowned pilgrimage destination. The bridge’s design allows for trains to operate at higher speeds, reducing travel time and enhancing the overall efficiency of rail transport in the area.
The construction of the New Pamban Bridge underscores India’s commitment to integrating advanced engineering solutions into its infrastructure projects. By incorporating a vertical lift span, the bridge not only preserves the vital rail link to Rameswaram but also accommodates the needs of maritime navigation, reflecting a harmonious balance between development and environmental considerations.
As the New Pamban Bridge nears completion, it stands as a testament to modern engineering prowess. Its vertical lift span is a pivotal feature that will allow even larger vessels to pass through the Palk Strait with ease, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructural development.
