Chennai/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge on Sunday, which also marks the occasion of Ram Navami.

The new bridge will replace a 110-year-old structure that once connected Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.

This will be India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, and PM Modi will flag off the Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) new train service and a ship from the road bridge.

PM Modi will also perform darshan and pooja at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram.

The Pamban Rail Bridge carries a deep cultural significance as, according to the Ramayana, the construction of Ram Setu was initiated from Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram, a government statement said.

The bridge, linking Rameswaram to the mainland, stands as a remarkable feat of Indian engineering on the global stage and was built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore.

It is 2.08 km in length and features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises to a height of 17 metres, facilitating smooth movement of ships while ensuring seamless train operations.

Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, the bridge boasts increased durability and reduced maintenance needs.

It is designed for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands. A special polysiloxane coating protects it from corrosion, ensuring longevity in the harsh marine environment.