Country’s first vertical lift span Pamban bridge likely to open in March

The old bridge, on the other hand, was a cantilever bridge. It was opened manually, requiring 14 people for its operation. In contrast, the new bridge is fully automatic.

R Srinivasan, deputy general manager, RVNL, said the construction of the new bridge began in February 2019. “The old bridge was closed in December 2022 due to its deteriorating condition. The new bridge was originally planned for completion in three years, but work was delayed due to Covid-19. The bridge was completed in November 2024, and train trials have successfully been conducted. After successful trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety granted approval to run trains. Now, the only thing left is the inauguration of this bridge.”

The design of the new bridge was prepared by a Spain-based company. It is a single-track bridge. The old bridge allowed diesel trains to travel at 10 kmph. The new bridge, however, is fully electrified, which will allow trains to operate on 25,000 volt through overhead wires (OHE). The speed limit on the new bridge is 75 kmph, although trains will slow down to 50 kmph at navigational span stretch.

The railways plans to operate 13 trains daily, with the possibility of expanding services based on demand. Additionally, the foundation for a second track has already been prepared and in the future a second track can be laid parallel to the existing one by si