Pamban Bridge, Tamil Nadu, India...

Tamil Nadu

Pamban Bridge

Pam ban Bridge, new and old railway bridge connecting the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Rameshwaram on Pamban island
Rameshwaram to Chennai Boat Mail express train crosses 2 kilometers long Pamban sea railway bridge, India.
Pamban Bridge, Tamil Nadu, India...
Pam ban Bridge, new and old railway bridge connecting the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Rameshwaram on Pamban island
Rameshwaram to Chennai Boat Mail express train crosses 2 kilometers long Pamban sea railway bridge, India.
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Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Nearest Railway Station :

Rameswaram Railway Station (RMM)

Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Connecting land and legend across the sea

Spanning across the beautiful Indian Ocean, the Pamban Bridge stands as a magnificent symbol of human ingenuity, engineering excellence, and the enduring spirit of connection. Situated in the picturesque town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, this iconic bridge has not only transformed transportation but has also become a representation of unity, resilience, and ambition. Its construction began in the 1870s when the British Government made the decision to expand trade connectivity to Sri Lanka. It was officially commissioned in 1914 and opened on 24th February. It was also India's first sea bridge and remained the longest sea bridge in the country until the Bandra–Worli Sea Link opened in 2010.

Gateway to Rameswaram

Rameswaram has been a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries. It is revered by devotees for its temples, pristine beaches, and spiritual ambience. The Pamban Bridge serves as the lifeline of this holy town, connecting it to the mainland and facilitating the passage of pilgrims, tourists, and traders. The bridge welcomes visitors with open arms and invites them to embark on a journey of discovery, faith, and transcendence. It used to be the only link between Rameswaram and the mainland until 1988. Afterwards, a road bridge called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge was built parallel to it, connecting the National Highway (NH 49) with Rameswaram.

A century-old engineering feat

Built over a century ago, the Pamban Bridge is a marvel of engineering ingenuity and innovation. The bridge spans 2.2 kilometres across the Palk Strait, connecting the island of Rameswaram to the mainland. It has a cantilever design with sturdy steel trusses and concrete piers that can withstand natural forces such as cyclones, tidal waves, and monsoon rains, ensuring safe passage for trains and travellers.

The bridge consists of 143 piers and includes a double-leaf bascule section with a Scherzer rolling-type lift span that can be raised to allow ships to pass. The two leaves of the bridge are manually opened using levers. Fascinatingly, it is also the only railway bridge of its kind in India that is designed to allow ferry movement when trains are not running.


View of Pamban bridge in Rameshwaram. First indian bridge, which connects Pamban island and mainland India.
Timings

Open all day

(The railway bridge is closed for now, but the road bridge is operational)

Symbol of resilience

The Pamban Bridge has weathered numerous storms and natural calamities throughout its storied history, emerging stronger and more resilient with each challenge. Despite facing the wrath of cyclones and sea surges, the bridge has stood tall, a testament to human perseverance, determination, and adaptability. However, the train services between Mandapam on the mainland and Rameswaram Island were suspended on December 23, 2022, after the existing rail bridge was declared non-operational from a safety point of view. At present, all trains terminate at Mandapam and people use the road bridge to reach Rameswaram. But the reconstruction work is going very well, and the railway bridge will become operational very soon!

Connecting communities

Beyond its functional significance, the Pamban Bridge serves as a lifeline for the communities on both sides of the strait, fostering connections, commerce, and cultural exchange. The bridge facilitates the movement of goods, services, and people, linking remote villages, bustling towns, and urban centres along the coast. It has become a symbol of unity and integration, bridging the geographical divide between the mainland and the island and fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual dependence among diverse communities.

Enjoy spectacular views

Travelling across the Pamban Bridge is not just a journey—it's an experience to cherish for a lifetime. As trains traverse the bridge, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering sea, distant horizons, and pristine landscapes of Rameswaram. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against tracks, the salty breeze caressing the face, and the vast expanse of the ocean stretching to the horizon—all combine to create a sensory symphony that captivates the soul and uplifts the spirit.

Once you reach Rameswaram, you can continue your exploration and discover more gems that the city offers. As it is famous for being a Char Dham pilgrimage site, temples like Ramanathaswamy Temple and Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple are must-visits. You can also enjoy a serene retreat on the nearby beaches, such as Agni Teertham Beach and Kunthukal Beach!

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