Pamban Bridge is one of the prime attractions of Tamil Nadu, located in Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is a popular Hindu holy place that notices thousands of footsteps every day. Pamban bridge’s story is related to Lord Rama. At Pamban, Lord Rama has thrown an arrow to the ground in order to get the water to sate Goddess Sita’s thirst. This iconic bridge is the first structure that travelers come across on the way from Madurai to Rameshwaram. It is also an indicator that one has arrived in Rameshwaram. The Pamban Railway Bridge is one of the famous sea bridges amongst five in India. Pamban Bridge is the second-longest sea bridge in India.
Interesting Facts About Pamban Railway Bridge:-
The total length of the Pamban railway bridge is about 2.6 km. It connects Rameshwaram town on Pamban Island to mainland India over the Palk Strait. This bridge was opened on 24 February 1914. This long Bridge took around 14 years to be completed. It was inaugurated by former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on October 2, 1988. Later it renamed Indira Gandhi Bridge.
The Pamban bridge was the only surface transport that connected Tamil Nadu’s island of Rameshwaram to the mainland till 1988. Rameshwaram is a popular Hindu holy place that notices thousands of footsteps every day. Pamban bridge is related to Lord Rama. At Pamban, Lord Rama has thrown an arrow to the ground in order to get the water to sate Goddess Sita’s thirst.
The only oversea bridge in India is an excellent example of outstanding Civil Engineering. The railway bridge is located 12.5 m above sea level. The bridge consists of 143 piers and has a double-leaf bascule section with Scherzer rolling type lift span. Each half of the lifting span weighs 415 tones. German engineer Scherzer designed the central part of the bridge in 1913 that opens up to allow ferry movement. On average, 10 to 15 boats and small ships pass below the bridge every month.
This cantilever railway bridge is a more popular attraction for tourists as people watch when the two leaves of the bridge open up to let ships pass through. There is a temple in Pamban Island, to where the devotees used to commute.
