Pamban Bridge inauguration highlights: PM Modi inaugurates new rail bridge in Rameswaram

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Inaugurating the new Pamban bridge in Rameswaram, PM Modi says it is the country’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, adding efforts were on to take Tamil language, heritage to all corners of the world

Updated - July 11, 2026 11:36 am IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in Rameswaram on April 6, 2025. | Photo Credit: L.. Balachandar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban bridge on April 6, 2025. It will replace a 110-year-old structure that once connected Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.

Also read | T.N. Chief Minister urges PM to allay people’s fears over delimitation

The idea of linking India and Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, through the Adam’s Bridge route was first explored in 1876. However, the plan was shelved due to high costs. Eventually, a more feasible plan was approved in 1906: a railway line from Madurai to Dhanushkodi via Rameswaram, and a steamer service from Dhanushkodi to Sri Lanka.

Also read | Rebuilding the bridge to Rameswaram

The Pamban bridge, India’s first sea bridge, was an engineering marvel of its time. Standing 12.5 meters above sea level, it stretched across 145 piers and featured a double-leaf bascule span—a Scherzer rolling lift bridge—that opened for ships to pass through.

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April 06, 2025 19:28
T.N. IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Madurai Collector M.S. Sangeetha sending off PM at Madurai airport
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April 06, 2025 18:25
PM Modi leaves for Delhi
PM Narendra Modi leaves Madurai by a special aircraft to New Delhi after participating in the inauguration of new rail bridge at Pamban. He arrived here by a helicopter.
He was seen off at the airport by T.N. Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Madurai Collector M. S. Sangeetha, Commissioner of Police J. Loganathan and corporation Mayor Indrani Pon Vasanth and other leaders.
April 06, 2025 17:53
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Madurai Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Madurai Airport on April 6, 2025. He is scheduled to leave for Delhi later in the night.
April 06, 2025 17:41
For DMK politics always takes precedence over our State’s development: Annamalai
April 06, 2025 17:03
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Pamban
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April 06, 2025 17:01
Pamban bridge a vital link between Rameswaram and mainland: FM Sitharaman
April 06, 2025 16:58
‘Marvelous engineering monument’: Tamilisai Soundararajan
April 06, 2025 16:55
Senior BJP leaders laud Pamban bridge inauguration
April 06, 2025 16:54
Congress’ Manickam Tagore claims safety flaws in vertical lift bridge
April 06, 2025 16:52
New Pamban bridge to facilitate easier commutes, boost tourism: G. Kishan Reddy
April 06, 2025 16:44
New Pamban Bridge inaugurated
April 06, 2025 16:43
Beneficiaries of Centrally-sponsored schemes found to be fake since DMK came to power: AIADMK National Spokesperson
“We welcome anyone who brings in welfare measures and benefits for the state as well as for the people, but what is surprising is the tall claims made by Prime Minister on the concrete houses and the piped water connections. Since DMK came to power, all the beneficiaries have been fake. All the Central government-sponsored schemes; beneficiaries are not the real ones. Money worth crores and crores have been swindled... I’m not sure why the BJP is turning a blind eye towards it,” said AIADMK National Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan.
April 06, 2025 16:17
PM Modi makes a pitch for Tamil, tells T.N. to impart med education in mother tongue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6 made a strong pitch for Tamil and asserted that all efforts are on to take the language across the world and asked the Tamil Nadu government to impart medical education in Tamil medium to benefit the poor.
Without naming anyone, PM Modi said he gets letters from leaders of Tamil Nadu and “they do not sign in Tamil.
“At least put your signature in Tamil.” Further, he batted for teaching medicine in Tamil medium in the State so that students from poor families are benefitted. The PM, referring to beneficiaries from the State in respect of several initiatives said despite increased allocation to Tamil Nadu, some “cry” over funds.
April 06, 2025 15:40
Over 3,000 T.N. fishermen freed from Sri Lanka in last 10 years: PM Modi
In the last 10 years, at least 3,100 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been freed from Sri Lanka, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rameswaram.
“Efforts on to take Tamil language, heritage to all corners of the world,” he added.
April 06, 2025 15:30
Another Gujarathi opened new Pamban bridge after 100 years: PM Modi
A Gujarathi was behind construction of Old Pamban rail bridge in 1914. Now after 100 years, another Gujarathi has opened the new Pamban rail bridge, said PM Modi.
He also expressed concern over T.N. leaders not signing letters, addressed to him, in Tamil.
April 06, 2025 15:20
Despite increased allocation for T.N. some cry over funds: PM hints at ruling DMK
Taking a dig at the DMK regime without naming the ruling party in the State, PM Modi said, “Despite increased allocation by Centre to TN, some cry over funds.”
April 06, 2025 15:14
Pamban bridge to support ease of doing business and ease of travel: PM Modi
Pamban bridge supports both ease of doing business and ease of travel. It will have a positive impact on the lives of lakhs of people, said PM Modi at Rameswaram.
April 06, 2025 15:03
NDA govt. allocation for T.N. three times more than previous regimes: PM
The Prime Minister further said the NDA government has given three times fund allocation to Tamil Nadu when compared to that of allocation made by the previous governments.
April 06, 2025 14:57
Pamban India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge: PM in Rameswaram
“Pamban bridge is country’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Big ships will be able to sail, trains will be able to travel faster on new Pamban bridge,” said PM Modi at Rameswaram.
April 06, 2025 14:55
Centre concerned about infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu: PM Modi
April 06, 2025 14:50
PM Modi dedicates to nation projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, PM Modi laid foundation stone, dedicated to the nation projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore. “Lord Ram’s good governance, foundation for nation building” said PM Modi in Rameswaram.
April 06, 2025 14:42
PM addresses a public gathering after inaugurating Pamban bridge
PM Modi addressed a public gathering after inaugurating Pamban bridge in Rameswaram. “Pamban bridge brings technology and tradition together,” he said.
April 06, 2025 14:39
PM Modi begins his address in Hindi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the crowd to chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’ on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
April 06, 2025 14:35
PM Modi arrives to address a public gathering
April 06, 2025 14:27
8 vande bharat trains given to T.N. by the BJP, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
April 06, 2025 14:22
PM Modi arrives at public meeting venue
April 06, 2025 14:14
Check schedule of Rameswaram-Tambaram Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service in Rameswaram.
The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship which passed under the bridge.
Check full schedule here...
April 06, 2025 14:08
PM offers prayers at Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram
April 06, 2025 14:02
Chidambaram stages black flag protest against PM Modi’s visit to Ramanathapuram
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Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai, Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram along with party cadres staging black flag protest at Saidapet in Chennai, against Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Ramanathapuram on April 6, 2025. Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
April 06, 2025 13:59
Visuals from the New Bridge inauguration
“The Pamban Sea Bridge will provide a rail link between the mainland and the Rameswaram island. This would improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country and beyond.”
April 06, 2025 13:58
Visuals ahead of New Pamban Bridge inaugration today
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Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects Pamban.jpg
April 06, 2025 13:33
PM Modi flags off first train on New Pamban Rail Bridge
April 06, 2025 13:28
Kendriya Vidhyalaya students present at public meeting venue for the inauguration
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April 06, 2025 13:22
PM Modi inaugurates New Pamban Rain Bridge
He operated the vertical lift span of New Pamban Rail Bridge with a remote device while a Coast Guard ship passed under the vertical lift span.
- S. Sundar
April 06, 2025 13:21
PM Modi flags off first train on New Pamban Rail Bridge
Loud cheers at the public meeting venue in Rameswaram as visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off train on New Pamban Rail Bridge is shown on giant screen.
- S. Sundar
April 06, 2025 13:15
Blessed to have a Darshan of the Ram Setu while returning to India: PM Modi
PM Modi shared a video as he returned to India from Sri Lanka. He said, “On the way back from Sri Lanka a short while ago, was blessed to have a Darshan of the Ram Setu. And, as a divine coincidence, it happened at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya. Blessed to have the Darshan of both. Prabhu Shri Ram is a uniting force for all of us. May His blessings always remain upon us.”
April 06, 2025 13:04
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin attending events in Nilgiris, to miss sea bridge inauguration
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that he had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his inability to attend the event at Rameshwaram. He said that as he had committed to attending events in the Nilgiris, his deputed ministers, Thangam Thennarasu and Rajakannappan would welcome the Prime Minister.
Mr. Stalin said that he wanted the Prime Minister to make a promise to the people of Tamil Nadu while he was on “Tamil soil” and Southern states that they would not be punished by the delimitation exercise.
Mr. Stalin inaugurated 1,703 completed government works, amounting to ₹494.51 crores in Udhagamandalam on Sunday (April 6, 2025), including the newly constructed Udhagamandalam Government Medical College and Hospital. He also laid the foundation stone for 56 new projects in the Nilgiris amounting to ₹130.35 crores.
- Rohan Premkumar
April 06, 2025 12:55
Bomb detection & disposal squad along with sniffer dogs conducting security checks at Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram on April 5, 2025
RAMANATHAPURAM :TAMIL NADU: 04 April 2025: Bomb detection and disposal squad along with sniffer dogs conducting security checks at Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram on Saturday ahead of Prime Minister, Narendra Modis visit to the temple on Sunday. Photo: L. Balachandar /The Hindu.
April 06, 2025 12:37
PM Modi arrives at Mandapam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Mandapam to inaugurate the Pamban Rail Bridge. Several Tami Nadu ministers such as Governor R.N. Ravi, Thangam Thennarasu, BJP leaders K. Annamalai, Sudakar Reddy, H. Raja, Nainar Nagenthiran, Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, among others were present to receive him.
- S. Sundar
April 06, 2025 11:33
Sri Lanka releases 14 fishermen as a special gesture to PM Modi
While PM Modi prepares to travel to Mandapam to inaugurate the Panbam Bridge, Sri Lanka releases 14 fishermen as a special gesture during his visit, according to Government sources. This comes after the two leaders held bilateral talks yesterday on the prevalent fisherman issue.
April 06, 2025 11:23
Rebuilding the bridge to Rameswaram
The swanky new sea bridge at Pamban glistens in the summer sun. Dubbed as an engineering marvel, this imposing lifting-span structure facilitates better train operations in the Palk Strait, connecting Ramanathapuram with the Rameswaram island.
The British-era old Pamban Rail Bridge, comprising two cantilever bridges, had to be replaced because its highly corroded centre span made the structure vulnerable. All trains had to slow down while passing through the bridge. When Southern Railway decided to spruce things up, it wanted the new lift span as a single piece, between two sub-structures.
Read the whole story here
April 06, 2025 10:47
All about the Pamban Rail Bridge
The new Pamban railway sea bridge, touted to be India’s first vertical-lift railway bridge, built in Tamil Nadu at a cost of ₹535 crore is just days away from its much-awaited grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, 2025 (Sunday). This bridge has been constructed to replace the over 110-year-old Pamban bridge that stands next to it, surviving a historic cyclone in the 1960s.
April 06, 2025 09:30
New Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu set for inauguration by PM Modi
The Prime Minister will remotely operate the vertical lift mechanism of the bridge and flag-off the inaugural special of Rameswaram-Tambaram Express and a Coast Guard ship, marking the inauguration of the New Pamban Bridge and its vertical lift span, the first of its kind in the country.
Read the whole story here
April 06, 2025 09:28
All you need to know about the Pamban rail bridge
Watch: All you need to know about the Pamban rail bridge
Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate new Pamban bridge, replacing 110-year-old structure connecting Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.
April 06, 2025 09:27
PM to fly down in military chopper from Sri Lanka to Rameswaram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be flying to Mandapam by a chopper directly from Sri Lanka on Sunday to inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge.
PM Modi who is currently on a state-visit to the island nation would be flying by military helicopter from Sri Lanka to land at a helipad opposite Mandapam Railway station at around noon. Three more military helicopters would accompany the VIP’s chopper.
The Prime Minister’s convoy would straight away go to the Pamban Road Bridge from where Mr. Modi would flag off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram-Rameswaram train services. Later, he would remotely operate the vertical lift span of the new Pamban rail bridge under which the Coast Guard ship would pass through.
Read the full story here