PM Modi Opens New Pamban Bridge, Highlights Gujarat Connection

Old Pamban Bridge Built by Gujarati, New One Inaugurated by Another

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently opened the new Pamban rail sea-bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram. He shared an interesting link between the old bridge and its replacement, both connected to Gujarat.

A Century-Old Link

• The old Pamban bridge was constructed by a Gujarat-born man around 100 years ago.
• Now, after a century, the new Pamban bridge has been opened by another Gujarat-born person – PM Modi himself.

This connection was warmly received by the public at the inauguration.

Building the Old Pamban Bridge

• The old Pamban bridge was built by Gujarat-based contractor Karoji Kutz.
• The project used 2,000 tonnes of steel and 200 workers.
• Construction faced challenges such as lost materials due to a severe cyclone and high waves.
• Cholera also affected the labor force.

The British decided to build the bridge during a meeting at Dhanushkodi in TN in Nov 1908. The bridge was completed in Dec 1913 and was opened on Feb 25, 1914, by Lord John Sinclair, the first Baron Pentland, who was the governor of Madras from 1912 to 1919.

The Pamban Rail Bridge

• The Pamban rail bridge was the only link between Mandapam and Rameswaram for decades until a parallel road bridge was built in 1988.
• The bridge had a mechanism to let ships pass beneath it.

The new Pamban bridge, opened by PM Modi, showcases the enduring bond between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, as well as the advancement of Indian infrastructure.

PM Modi waves to the Indian Coast Guard ship during the inauguration of New Pamban Bridge (ANI photo)