New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday opened India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge, Pamban bridge which has ben built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore.
A senior official said the new bridge can withstand cyclones of greater intensity than the one which severely damaged the old bridge in 1964. With similarities Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Tower Bridge in London and the Oresund Bridge in Denmark-Sweden, Pamban bridge stands tall as an example of combined cutting-edge technology with the challenges posed by India’s coastal and seismic conditions.They added the Palk Strait’s violent waters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather patterns posed big challenges in the construction process. Furthermore, the design has been done keeping in mind careful planning and robust design- presenting India’ engineering marvel.WATCH | Visuals of First Train Passing Through Pamban BridgeRailway officials said the construction of the new Pamban Bridge faced numerous challenges, ranging from environmental obstacles to logistical complexities. MP Singh, director (operations) at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), said this bridge can “withstand a wind speed of 230 kmph as well as considerable seismic loading”.”New Pamban bridge will have a positive impact on the lives of lakhs of people,” PM Modi said during an event here.
Why Is Pamban Bridge Important?
The Pamban bridge will boost the connectivity to Rameswaram, a spiritual destination visited by devotees in large number from across the country. It spans across 2.08 kilometers, comprises 99 spans and a 72.5-metre-long vertical lift span. It can be raised up to 17 meters, that will allow the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations, a report in PTI said.It features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements. The foundation of the bridge is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps. This design will allow dual rail tracks and possible future expansion.Now, as per the latest update, the top party leadership in Congress are not in favour of replacing Shivakumar, reported PTI, citing sources. The main reason for this is the party’s victory in the state polls and Shivakumar’s leadership in all three assembly bypolls.”The party high command was not inclined to replace Shivakumar at least till November and December this year,” a senior party functionary told PTI.The agency also said that there are reports about a secret deal that Siddaramaiah would lead Karnataka during the first half of the Congress’ five-year tenure. The other half will be governed by DK Shivakumar. However, none of them have confirmed this.A cabinet reshuffle is also being discussed ahead of MLC elections and especially, after the honey trap attempts on ministers and MLAs, the sources added.On the selection of candidates for the MLC election, a party office-bearer said the Congress high command has left the matter to Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Meanwhile, on the honeytrap issue, Rahul Gandhi reportedly told the leaders that the matter should not have been raised inside the assembly, especially by Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna.