India's First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge, New Pamban Bridge, Now Operational

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge on April 6, 2025, demonstrating its functionality with a train crossing and a ship passing beneath its lift span.

The New Pamban Bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers across the Palk Strait, connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India with advanced engineering and materials.
The bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that rises 17 meters, allowing large ships to pass while maintaining rail connectivity.
Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited at a cost of over ₹550 crore, the bridge is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and has a projected lifespan of 100 years.
During the inauguration, a Coast Guard ship passed under the raised span, and a train successfully traversed the bridge, showcasing its dual functionality.
Unverified social media reports suggest a potential technical issue with the lift span, but no official confirmation has been provided by authorities.