On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. This is the country’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, reflecting India’s growing strength in engineering and development. Stretching 2.07 kilometres across the Palk Strait, the bridge symbolises India’s technical skill and forward-thinking infrastructure planning. PM Modi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi flagged off the first train to pass over the newly built sea bridge.

A demonstration was held to show how the bridge works, with visuals capturing essential moments. An Indian Coast Guard boat passed safely under the lifted section of the bridge, highlighting its clearance for maritime traffic. A train crossed over right after, proving the bridge's readiness and stability. Earlier that day, Minister Vaishnaw hoisted the BJP flag at the bridge site and extended his wishes to party workers on the BJP’s foundation day.

“The resolve of Antyodaya and the spirit of ‘Nation First, Always First’… Heartfelt congratulations to all workers on the foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” according to his shared post.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi visited the Ramanatha Swamy Temple in Rameswaram just before the inauguration. The bridge's history goes back to 1914, when British engineers built the original Pamban Bridge, a cantilever design with a Scherzer rolling lift span, to connect Rameswaram Island with mainland India. The new bridge, approved in 2019, stands three metres taller than the old one, improving sea connectivity and making it easier for ships to pass underneath.

The bridge has been an essential route for pilgrims, travellers, and trade for many years. However, a modern upgrade became necessary due to the challenging marine conditions and growing transportation needs. That’s why the central government gave the green light in 2019 for a new, advanced, and future-ready bridge version.

Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna public sector company under the Ministry of Railways, the New Pamban Bridge has advanced features to support higher speeds, heavier loads, and better ship clearance. It improves connectivity and highlights India’s progress in safety, strength, and engineering innovation.

As the country’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge stands alongside globally renowned engineering marvels like the Golden Gate Bridge in the U.S., London’s Tower Bridge, and the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.