Pamban Bridge

The Pamban Bridge is a railway crossing over the Palk Strait near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, spanning more than two kilometers and comprising 144 segments. The steel structure links Rameswaram Island to the mainland and allows trains to travel across the sea.

The structure was built between 1911 and 1914 as the first railway connection over the sea in India. This construction represented a major engineering advance at the time and transformed access to the island.

The railway link provides direct access for pilgrims traveling to Rameswaram, a sacred site revered in Hinduism as one of the holiest destinations. Many travelers rely on the train route to reach the island temples and participate in religious ceremonies.

Strong winds can temporarily halt train operations, so travelers should check weather conditions before planning crossings. The middle section opens regularly for ships, which may cause brief delays in rail service.

The movable middle section uses a double-leaf system designed by German engineer Scherzer. This mechanism lifts the span vertically to allow larger vessels to pass through.

Location: Ramanathapuram district

Official opening: February 24, 1914

Length: 2,065 m

GPS coordinates: 9.28257,79.20164

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:54