The new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram, connecting the island to the mainland by rail, is set for inauguration soon. While hailed as a technological marvel, its estimated lifespan has raised concerns. Railways officials project the bridge will last 38 years without maintenance and up to 58 years with minimal upkeep. This is a significant contrast to the old Pamban Bridge, which served for over 108 years in harsh marine conditions.
The original bridge, built by the British in 1914, operated until December 2022. Its longevity was credited to its robust cantilever design and the use of an expensive silver paint that provided exceptional corrosion resistance. Despite challenges such as frequent repairs, speed restrictions, and closures, it withstood over a century of service, even in a highly corrosive environment.
In comparison, the new bridge uses polysiloxane paint, a widely trusted material in corrosion-prone areas, to ensure durability. However, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) flagged concerns about its estimated lifespan, citing planning, execution, and anti-corrosion methods as areas needing improvement. Southern Railways has since initiated corrective measures and launched campaigns highlighting the bridge’s advanced features.
Spanning 2.07 kilometres, the new Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. The lift mechanism, which allows ships to pass beneath, is completed in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds; this is an improvement over the old bridge’s slower and more labour-intensive cantilever system. The new design is aimed at ensuring faster, safer rail and maritime connectivity while accommodating growing traffic volumes.
Southern Railways compares the bridge to global engineering landmarks such as London’s Tower Bridge and the Arthur Kill Vertical Lift Bridge in the US.
In the document released praising the new bridge, the Southern Railways stated: “While these bridges were significant in their time, the new Pamban Bridge incorporates modern materials and technologies that surpasses its predecessors in efficiency and durability.”
It also stated that travel duration comes down considerably with the new vertical lift bridge.
“The increasing volume of traffic, coupled with the need for faster and safer connectivity prompted the government to envision a new structure that would be technologically advanced, durable, and future-ready,” the railway document said.
“The construction of a state-of-the-art sea bridge that could accommodate growing traffic volumes, ensure durability and facilitate smoother maritime navigation,” it added.
The foundation stone for the new bridge was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, and construction began in February 2020. Although initially scheduled for completion by December 2021, delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and challenging weather conditions pushed the timeline. As it prepares to open, the new Pamban Bridge symbolises a blend of heritage and innovation, even as questions about its durability remain.
with inputs from PTI