PM Modi to dedicate India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge to the nation on Ram Navami

India's first vertical-lift sea bridge, the new Pamban rail bridge, will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi will flag off a train and a ship to mark the commencement of the bridge's operation. After this, he will visit and worship at the ancient Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram.

It is worth noting that the Pamban bridge has immense cultural and religious significance. According to Ramayana, the construction of "Ram Setu" started from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram. Built at a cost of more than Rs 550 crore, this 2.08 km long new bridge connects Rameswaram to the mainland. It has 99 spans and a 72.5 meter vertical lift span, which rises to a height of 17 meters, making it possible to move ships and run trains simultaneously. Stainless steel and high-quality paints have been used in the construction of the bridge, so that it remains durable according to future needs.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, after the inauguration, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of various rail and road projects worth more than Rs 8300 crore in the state and dedicate them to the nation. During this, he will also address a public meeting.

These projects include plans to make the 28 km long section of Walajapet-Ranipet on NH-40 four-lane, widening the 29 km long section of Viluppuram-Puducherry of NH-332, dedicating the 57 km section of Poondiyankuppam-Sattanathapuram of NH-32 and the 48 km long section of Cholapuram-Thanjavur of NH-36 to the nation.

These roads will connect many major pilgrimage and tourist places, reduce the distance between cities, and provide easy access to medical colleges, hospitals, and ports. Along with this, it will also prove helpful to local farmers to take their agricultural products to the market, and economically empower the leather and small industries.