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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Praises Highly Anticipated Pamban Bridge In Rameswaram On X; Netizens Ask, “But How Sturdy Is It?”

Vrinda Arora
Rameswaram Pamban bridge

The newly built vertical lift bridge that replaced the 1914 bridge at Pamban in Rameswaram has been found to have flaws by the Commissioner of Railways Safety. Amid these safety concerns, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted images of the Pamban bridge on the social networking platform X, calling it a “modern engineering marvel” and the country’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. The bridge connects Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram Island to the Indian mainland.

Rameswaram’s Pamban Bridge: Is It Sturdy?

Image Credit: X/@Ashwini Vaishnaw

For Rameswaram’s railway access to the mainland, the 110-year-old double-leaf bascule bridge was replaced with a new vertical lift bridge that underwent tests before opening. AM Chowdhary, the safety commissioner for Southern Circle Railways, drew attention to problems with the project’s design and implementation.

The project is being carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) on behalf of Southern Railway. On November 14, a group under the direction of AM Chowdhary carried out examinations and tests.

Despite direct tension indicator (DTI) washers displaying appropriate torque, the inspection report shows that HSFG bolts have insufficient torque in comparison to the design values, as reported by India Today. The report further stated that CBE/SR must investigate this matter in order to take the necessary measures.

Concerns over the project’s long-term sustainability are also brought up in the report. To maintain safety and track the lift girder’s performance under operating conditions, a temporary speed limit of about 80 km/h will be imposed on trains traversing the lift girder span at Span No. 77.

After it has been evaluated in accordance with the applicable authorisation document, the Chief Bridge Engineer of Southern Railway may examine and replace the lift girder’s speed restriction. According to the investigation, important structural components, including the top and bottom chords, were welded on location in violation of the “welded bridge code,” which reduced the stress-bearing capacity by 36%. The bridge has already started to corrode due to its highly corrosive environment, but no remedies have been put in place.

 Also Read: Bengaluru’s Iconic Rameshwaram Cafe Will Soon Open Its Doors In Dubai; Here’s What Is In Store For Foodies

Railway Minister’s Post On X After Bridge’s Inspection

In a lengthy X thread titled “The New Pamban Bridge: A modern engineering marvel!” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided information about the bridge’s background and recent improvements. Following a recent warning from the Railway Safety Commissioner on “glaring lapses” in the construction of the bridge between Mandapam and Pamban stations, Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the new construction as a “state-of-the-art project” aimed at enhancing safety and speed.

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the 1914 Pamban Bridge, which linked Rameswaram with the mainland for 105 years, is degrading because of rust, opening the door for a new one.

He also discussed how the Pamban bridge differs from the previous one and demonstrates engineering genius in his tweet thread. Additionally, he stated that the work is finished and that the inauguration is anticipated shortly, which will benefit Rameswaram.

Check out what people have to say about the bridge’s construction and safety.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Cloudburst: Rameswaram Receives Record 411mm Rainfall In 10 Hrs; Red Alert Issued

Are you looking forward to travelling by this new bridge?

Cover Image Credit: X/@Ashwini Vaishnaw

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