Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu on Sunday, where he will unveil a series of transformative infrastructure projects, including the highly anticipated Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge.
Pamban Rail Bridge
One of the key highlights of the Prime Minister’s visit will be the formal inauguration of the Pamban Rail Bridge, a state-of-the-art structure designed to enhance connectivity between the island town of Rameswaram and the Indian mainland.
The bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹700 crore, spans 2.08 km and features a 72.5-metre vertical lift section, allowing ships to pass through by raising the central span to a height of 17 metres. The new bridge is built using stainless steel reinforcements, corrosion-resistant coatings, and fully welded joints, ensuring greater durability and minimal maintenance. It is also designed to support dual railway tracks, preparing for future demands in passenger and freight movement.
New Rail and Highway Projects to Boost Connectivity
Alongside the bridge inauguration, PM Modi will also flag off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram (Chennai). Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects, amounting to an investment of ₹8,300 crore, aimed at improving road and rail networks in Tamil Nadu.
Among these initiatives are key highway projects that will enhance regional connectivity expansion of the Walajapet-Ranipet section of NH-40 (28 km) to four lanes. Dedication of the newly upgraded Viluppuram-Puducherry section of NH-332 (29 km). Widening of the Poondiyankuppam-Sattanathapuram section of NH-32 (57 km). Upgradation of the Cholapuram-Thanjavur stretch of NH-36 (48 km).
Before addressing a public gathering at 1:30 PM, the Prime Minister will visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple at 12:45 PM to offer prayers. The temple, one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism, is deeply linked to the Ramayana and holds immense cultural and religious significance.
