Rameswaram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram brings technology and tradition together and will facilitate connectivity for commuters and pilgrims.
Extending his best wishes to the countrymen on Ram Navami, PM Modi said that the life of Lord Shri Ram and the good governance of his era serve as a guiding light in nation-building. PM Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Railway Bridge at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
Pambam bridge is India's first vertical lift bridge. The 2.07-kilometre-long New Pamban Bridge, spanning the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development. A demonstration of the bridge's functionality showcased its capabilities, with visuals from the area capturing key moments-- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) boat successfully navigated under the bridge, highlighting its clearance and waterway accessibility. Following the boat's passage, a train traversed the bridge, demonstrating its structural integrity and rail connectivity.
The Prime Minister operated the vertical lift span of the bridge using a remote device, allowing a Coast Guard ship to pass beneath. Addressing a large gathering after the inauguration, PM Modi said, "I feel blessed that I could pray at the Ramanath Swami Temple today. On this special day, I feel blessed to hand over developmental projects worth Rs 8300 crore. These rail and road projects will boost connectivity in Tamil Nadu. I congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu."
"This is the land of Bharat Ratna, Dr Kalam. His life showed us that science and spirituality complement each other. Similarly, this Pamban Bridge to Rameswaram brings technology and tradition together," he added. Thanking the engineers and workers involved in the construction of the bridge, PM Modi said that a 1000-year-old site is being connected to a 21st-century engineering wonder.
"This bridge is India's first vertical lift sea bridge. Big ships will be able to pass through it; trains will also be able to pass through it. I just flagged off a new train service and also, a ship a short while ago. I again congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu for this project," he added.
The Prime Minister stated that the construction of the Pamban Bridge will positively transform people's lives, enhancing connectivity for trade and tourism, and creating new jobs and opportunities.
The newly inaugurated structure is the country's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, showcasing a major leap in indigenous engineering. PM Modi also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai, further enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating smoother travel for commuters and pilgrims.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday highlighted that India's first vertical lift sea bridge, the Pambam Bridge is an engineering marvel. Vaishnaw addressed a gathering after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pambam bridge today.
Noting the occasion of Ram Navami, Vaishnaw said that the day will remain in memories for more than 100 years.
"Today is the day of Ram Navami. It is the day on which our PM, Narendra Modi, has dedicated the new Pambam bridge to the nation. It is the day which will remain in our memories for more than 100 years," Vaishnaw said.
Vaisnaw also said that the bridge is a "pearl" of Tamil culture and a "milestone" in the country's journey to become a developed nation
"Pambam bridge is an engineering marvel. It is the first vertical sea bridge in our country. Pambam bridge is a pearl of Tamil culture. It'a milestone in our dream of becoming a developed nation. Our PM Narendra Modi ji understand the aspiration for Tamil Nadu. He respects the rich and ancient culture of Tamil Nadu and classical Tamil language," Vaishnaw said.
Vaishnaw said that 77 railway stations are being reconstructed across the state with Rameswaram Railway Station being one of them. He added that the reconstruction will be completed by December of this year. (Agencies)
Also read: Pamban Railway Bridge: Asia's First Vertical-Lift Bridge Set for Inauguration
