What will happen to the old Pamban bridge? History, legacy, key scenarios explained

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the New Pamban Railway Bridge, a new chapter has begun for Rameswaram and its maritime connectivity. As trains prepare to rumble across India's first vertical lift railway bridge, attention inevitably turns to the century-old structure it replaces: the original Pamban Bridge.

A feat of engineering when it opened in 1914, the old bridge has now reached the end of its service life. But what will become of this historic structure? And how does the new bridge compare?

Legacy of the Old Pamban Bridge

Inaugurated on 24 February 1914, the original Pamban Bridge was the first sea bridge in India. Stretching 2.065 kilometres across the Palk Strait, it linked Mandapam on the mainland to the island town of Rameswaram, one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage sites. For decades, it was the only route connecting Rameswaram to the rest of India by rail.

The bridge's most iconic feature was its double-leaf bascule section, which could be raised to allow ships to pass through.

This made it not just a railway bridge but a vital artery of trade and tourism. Over the years, it endured harsh weather, corrosion from the salty sea air, and even the catastrophic 1964 cyclone that wiped out Dhanushkodi.

Despite repeated repairs and reinforcements, the old bridge succumbed to time. In December 2022, rail services were suspended after severe corrosion made the structure unsafe. Yet, its historical importance remains undiminished.

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The Fate of the Old Bridge

As with other decommissioned railway bridges in India, the future of the old Pamban Bridge may follow a few possible trajectories.

Officially, the bridge will be retired from active use. Dismantling is the most likely outcome, given the advanced stage of structural degradation. However, the government has not ruled out the possibility of preserving key parts as heritage artifacts or repurposing sections for tourism.

In similar cases, such as the dismantling of parts of the Old Godavari Bridge in Andhra Pradesh after the new bridge was built in 1997, authorities salvaged parts of the structure for display or scrap. Some heritage activists are already calling for the Pamban Bridge's bascule span to be retained as a museum piece or monument, especially given its unique design and cultural resonance.

Whether the entire structure will be razed or partially preserved depends on safety, heritage valuation, and political will. As of now, Indian Railways has not announced a definitive timeline for dismantling or heritage conversion.

How the New Bridge Improves Upon the Old

The New Pamban Bridge is an answer to modern logistical demands and safety standards. Spanning 2.07 kilometres—slightly longer than its predecessor—it features a state-of-the-art vertical lift mechanism.

The central section of the bridge can be elevated vertically to allow the passage of ships, unlike the old bridge which had to split open horizontally.

Here are some of the key improvements:

• Higher Clearance: The new bridge stands three meters taller, ensuring smoother passage for maritime traffic.
• Durable Construction: Built with modern, corrosion-resistant materials, the bridge is engineered to last 100 years, according to railway officials.
• Speed and Load: It supports heavier trains at faster speeds, significantly reducing transit time.
• Automation: The vertical lift mechanism is fully automated, reducing operational complexity and enhancing safety.

In a nod to its predecessor, the new bridge has retained the spirit of engineering marvel while adopting technologies of the 21st century.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

For locals and pilgrims, the old Pamban Bridge is more than steel and bolts—it is a monument to endurance and faith. It carried not only passengers and freight but stories, prayers, and memories. Many recall the sight of trains moving cautiously across its wind-battered expanse, a lifeline to the sacred town.

With the opening of the new bridge, there's hope that a part of the old structure will be preserved to tell its story. Some experts suggest turning the site into an open-air maritime museum, akin to what has been done with defunct rail relics in parts of Europe and the United States.