Architectural marvel Pamban rail bridge: Vertical lift structure will be a ‘showcase’

Subject :Geography

Context-

The new 2.07 km Pamban rail bridge – India’s first vertical lift bridge – is set to be inaugurated in January to connect the Indian mainland and the holy Rameshwaram island. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal, it will be a ‘showcase’ project for the entire Indian Railways.
It will replace the century-old bridge, which is corroded and has speed restrictions.

Pamban Island-

It is located between India and Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannarand in the Ramanathapuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu.
It is the largest island in Tamil Nadu by area.
The principal town on the island is the pilgrimage centre of Rameswaram.
It is also known as Rameswaram Island.
Most of Pamban Island is covered with white sand.
The chain formed by Pamban Island, the shoals of Adam’s Bridge, and Mannar Island of Sri Lanka separate Palk Bay and the Palk Strait in the northeast from the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest.
Pamban Island extends for around 30 kilometres in width from the township of Pamban in the west to the remains of Dhanushkodi towards the southeast.
Most of Pamban Island is covered with white sand and hence is not suitable for cultivation.
Coconut and palm trees are found in abundance along with fig and eucalyptus plants.
Scrubs and rushes are found in abundance all along the seashore.

About the new Pamban bridge-

It is being developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and constructed at a cost of more than Rs 240 crores.
It is being developed parallel to the old railway bridge, which was constructed by the British in 1914 to bolster trade relations with Sri Lanka.
ThePamban cantilever bridge connects the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram.
The new 2.07 km bridge will be India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.
The new vertical lift bridge will have ‘Scherzer’ rolling lift technology.
It will ensure that the trains, which currently operate at a maximum speed of just 10 kmph will be able to cross a 2 km distance at over 80 kmph.
It will be 3.0 metres higher than the existing bridge with navigational air clearance of 22.0 metres above sea level.
It will be equipped with electro-mechanical controlled systems.
It will have an electrified double-line railway track and electro-mechanical controlled systems.
It is expected to give a boost to the tourism industry in this region, especially for pilgrimage purposes as a large number of devotees, every year, visit Rameshwaram Temple and Jyotirling.

About Old Pamban bridge-

Pamban Bridge connects the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Pamban and Rameshwaram.
In 1914, it started its operations.
It was India’s first sea bridge and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010.
Its speciality was that it has a double-leaf bascule section in the midway which can be raised to let ships and barges pass through.
Mainly, it opens up to allow ships and vessels to pass through.
Its construction started in 1911.
It was the first Indian bridge which is built across the sea. Generally, it is referred to as the queen of Indian bridges.
Its construction was commissioned in 1914 and started its operations.
This bridge was the only link between Rameshwaram and the mainland until 1988.
In 1988, the road bridge started.

Why is the new Pamban bridge constructed?

The old bridge is about 106 years old and requires frequent maintenance. It has a limited capacity for train operations.
With the help of the new bridge, Indian Railways will be able to operate trains on the route at a higher speed. It will also allow trains to hold more weight.
Also, between the mainland and Rameshwaram, it will maximize the volume of traffic. The area has religious significance.