Modi launches India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge (VIDEO)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge – the country’s first vertical-lift sea bridge – on Sunday. The bridge connects the island town of Rameswaram with the Indian mainland (state of Tamil Nadu) and stretches over 2km across the Palk Strait.

Featuring a 72.5-meter navigational span that can be lifted vertically to a height of 17 meters, the new bridge allows for ships to pass beneath it.

The bridge opens up opportunities for faster rail transport and enhances trade opportunities, according to officials. It was built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, with a construction cost of over $823 million.

The old Pamban rail bridge dates back to the British era when it was built to facilitate trade between India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). It withstood the devastating 1964 tsunami, though a train carrying passengers was tragically swept away during the disaster.

Due to its design and technology, the Pamban Bridge has drawn comparisons with the Golden Gate Bridge in the US, the Tower Bridge in the UK, and the Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. It is designed for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands.

A few hours after the inauguration, the vertical-lift span of the rail bridge experienced a technical issue when the center span became stuck during the lowering process, according to a report by The Hindu. Despite initial concerns from railway officials, the problem was reportedly minor and was eventually resolved, the report said.

Beyond Rameshwaram Island lies the Ram Setu, or Adam’s Bridge, a 48km chain of natural limestone shoals that stretch up to Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island.

On the way back from a weekend visit to Sri Lanka, Modi viewed the Ram Setu and shared an aerial video of the bridge.