The First Sea Bridge of India, Pamban Bridge

The Pamban Bridge is a type of cantilever bridge which is connecting between Pamban Island and the mainland of India. A two lane road bridge which runs parallel to the railway bridge is also known as Pamban Bridge. It is also called Indira Gandhi Bridge. The amazing rail bridge was started functioning since 1914. This bridge has double-leaf bascule bridge section which can be lifted while the ships pass under this bridge. Around 10 ships, fishing vessels, oil tankers, cargo carriers and coast guard ships transit under this bridge each month. The railway bridge has the length of 2,065 meters (6,776 feet). Before upgrading to broad gauge railroad in 12th August, 2007, the bridge was carrying meter gauge trains since its beginning.

(Photo Courtesy By: www.railpictures.net)

The name of the workers for erection and construction of the Pamban Railway Bridge have been found in the book. Those workers were Gangji Narayan of Khedoi, Varjang Hirji of Nagalpar and Mistri Manji Daya Wegad with Lakhu Devji Vegad both of Anjar. They started the construction of this rail bridge in 1887 and finished in 1912 on behalf of South Indian Railway. It is also found that while Mistris Lakhu Devji Vegad of Anjar and Gangji Narayan of Khedoi were working for the Pamban Bridge, they had also built a famous temple known as Neel Mandir bearing seven domes in Rameshwaram.

Though the Pamban Rail Bridge was constructed in the British ruling period, but it is still in good condition. As per Dr. Narayanan’s opinion, this bridge is situated in the world’s second highly corrosive environment after the Miami, United States. The location of the bridge is also a cyclone-prone and high wind velocity zone. But thousands of pilgrims go to the holy Rameswaram temple every day through this bridge. The surroundings scenic view of this bridge is immaculate, magnificent and amazing.