Pamban Bridge, Rameswaram

We visited Tirupullani in 2018 and since our train back home was in the evening we decided to see Pamban bridge. The auto which we travelled in was driven by a young man called Saravanan. He said he would take us there and so our journey began. Tirupullani was experiencing major water shortage at that point of time and people could be seen dragging carts with almost 10 kudams (water pots) on it. Saravanan told us that all water-bodies had dried up and the muncipality supplied water once in three days so the villagers had invested in plastic kudams and buckets. As we were getting out of Tirupullani we saw a water-body and asked about it.'Amma it is a lagoon(backwater). We are surrounded by water but can't drink it. This reminded me of Coleridge's oft quoted lines 'water water everywhere but not a drop to drink' .We drove across Ramanathapuram, Alagankulam, Uchipuli and Mandapam to reach Pamban Bridge. Alagankulam is a coastal town which was in the news for its archealogical excavations.Next town was Uchipuliand Saravanan told us that unlike Tirupullani, Uchipulli had surplus potable water and infact supplied water to a major portion of Ramanathapuram. So it can be called an oasis (i know not what other name to call it) on the seaside. We reached the bridge in about an hour. Known as Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge our auto started shaking as we entered the bridge because of the high velocity winds. Built in 1988 parallel to the Pamban Rail Bridge it gives a spectacular view of the vast ocean, the railway track and the many ships and fishing boats on the sea. We got to see a train pass by and waved to the passengers longing for a ride on it. The Rail Bridge we were told opened up in the middle to let ships pass by. On that particular day as the winds were very strong the fishermen perhaps did not go fishing. Otherwise this bridge folds into two to give way for the ships to sail. This kind of Cantilever Bridge is known as Bascular Bridge.The road bridge is a photographer's delight and one does not know where to stop. The islands in the distance accord scenic shots with the lighthouse and the spire of a dargah clearly visible. Incidentally Pamban bridge on the Indian Ocean is worth visiting and enjoying and one is awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the blue waters below, the railway bridge on the ocean and the road bridge across the Palk Strait and the beautiful...

The old Pamban Bridge was a railway bridge that connected the town of Rameswaram on the Pamban Island with Mandapam in the mainland India. It was opened on 24 February 1914, and was the India's first sea bridge, and the longest sea bridge until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010. It was a conventional bridge resting on concrete piers with a double-leaf section midway, which could be raised to let ships pass through. It’s total length was 2,065 metres and had 144 spans. This old Pamban bridge was the only surface transport link that connected Rameswaram to the mainland India until 1988, when a Road Bridge was constructed parallel to the Old Pamban Railway Bridge. The Pamban bridge was located in a corrosive marine environment which was a cyclone-prone, high wind velocity zone, so it needed frequent maintenance. In 2020, construction of a new Railway bridge closer to the existing one began which was planned to eventually replace the existing Pamban bridge as the bascule section had weakened significantly due to corrosion. In December 2022, rail transportation on the old Pamban bridge was suspended permanently and the New Pamban Bridge was completed in 2024. The New Pamban railway bridge is located 12.5 metres above sea level and is 2,065 metres long with 143 piers and has a double-leaf bascule section which can be raised to let ships pass. Earlier the railway line bifurcated from Pamban, with one line heading towards Rameshwaram and another line terminating at Dhanushkodi. The railway line to Dhanushkodi was destroyed during the 1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone along with the Pamban-Dhanuskodi passenger train, killing around 200 people. The Pamban Bridge is the lifeline of this holy town, connecting it to the mainland and facilitating the passage of pilgrims, tourists, and traders. The view of the bridge and sea from road is great though no one is allowed to stop , and there is a hefty fine. Pamban Island is also known as the...

A Must-See Spectacle: The Majestic Pamban Bridge Crossing The journey to or from Rameshwaram is made unforgettable by the crossing of the iconic Pamban Bridge. This isn't just a functional connection; it's a profound, emotional, and visually stunning transition from mainland India to Pamban Island. The sheer architectural feat of the bridge, especially the historic cantilever railway structure, is mesmerizing. As you drive or walk across, you are treated to a truly unique panorama where the deep blue waters of the Bay of Bengal meet the Indian Ocean, offering breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon. My own crossing provided a feeling of profound tranquility and awe. It’s impossible not to slow down and absorb the scene. The railway bridge, running parallel to the road, is a photographer's dream, its aging ironwork standing as a testament to engineering excellence. What truly elevated the experience for me was the local atmosphere. The bridge area is consistently and surprisingly windy, which is a huge blessing, especially during the heat of the afternoon. The constant, cooling breeze offers a refreshing respite from the tropical sun, making it perfectly comfortable for a longer stop. This spot is an absolute must-stop. While traffic restrictions mean you can't stop on the main span, I highly recommend parking your vehicle safely at the starting or ending points of the bridge (on the mainland side or the island side) and taking a lengthy stroll on the pedestrian walkway. Spending even an hour here, just watching the waves crash beneath the structure and feeling the powerful wind, is an incredibly peaceful and positive experience. As the sun dips, the whole area takes on a beautiful glow, and the distant lights only add to the magical mood. This isn't just a bridge; it's a vantage point for one of India's most spectacular coastal views. Don't rush this part of your...