Gateway to Rameswaram
Rameswaram has been a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries. It is revered by devotees for its temples, pristine beaches, and spiritual ambience. The Pamban Bridge serves as the lifeline of this holy town, connecting it to the mainland and facilitating the passage of pilgrims, tourists, and traders. The bridge welcomes visitors with open arms and invites them to embark on a journey of discovery, faith, and transcendence. It used to be the only link between Rameswaram and the mainland until 1988. Afterwards, a road bridge called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge was built parallel to it, connecting the National Highway (NH 49) with Rameswaram.
A century-old engineering feat
Built over a century ago, the Pamban Bridge is a marvel of engineering ingenuity and innovation. The bridge spans 2.2 kilometres across the Palk Strait, connecting the island of Rameswaram to the mainland. It has a cantilever design with sturdy steel trusses and concrete piers that can withstand natural forces such as cyclones, tidal waves, and monsoon rains, ensuring safe passage for trains and travellers.
The bridge consists of 143 piers and includes a double-leaf bascule section with a Scherzer rolling-type lift span that can be raised to allow ships to pass. The two leaves of the bridge are manually opened using levers. Fascinatingly, it is also the only railway bridge of its kind in India that is designed to allow ferry movement when trains are not running.
