Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, the first vertical-lift sea bridge in the country, on Sunday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Ram Navami.

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

In Tamil Nadu, Modi also flagged off the Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) new train service and a ship from the road bridge.

Modi is also expected to perform darshan and pooja at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram.

Pamban Bridge's Cultural Significance

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, read a statement issued by the Indian government.

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.

The bridge 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.

Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu after completing his trip to Thailand and then Sri Lanka.

In Thailand, he attended the crucial BIMSTEC meeting.

Sri Lankan President Assures India Of Security Support

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country would not allow its soil to be used in ways that could compromise India's security interests, a commitment aimed at easing New Delhi’s concerns over growing Chinese influence in the region.

The assurance came during bilateral talks focused on deepening cooperation in defence, energy and trade.

“I reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability,” President Dissanayake said during their meeting.