New Pamban Bridge Sees Trial Runs With Empty Rakes As Rail Services To Rameswaram Near Resumption

As part of the last few trials before resuming operations, trains with empty rakes were operated on the new Pamban bridge to reach Rameswaram station on Friday (31 January).

After the trial runs, the central spans of both the old and new railway sea bridges were lifted, enabling Indian Coast Guard ships and fishing boats to pass below.

Train services on the new Pamban bridge are likely to be resumed soon, The New Indian Express reported citing senior Railway officials.

Rail operations on the old Pamban bridge were suspended in December 2022 when structural sensors issued a red alert.

After a two-year gap, a diesel locomotive hauling empty passenger rakes crossed the new Pamban bridge to Rameswaram on Friday.

The first trial run took place early in the morning with empty rakes of the Kanniyakumari-Rameswaram SF Express (Train No 22622), which currently operates from Mandapam and is maintained at Madurai station.

Departing from Mandapam at 6 am, the train reached the Rameswaram station’s pit lines by 6.25 am for maintenance before making its return journey.

A second trial run took place around midday with the empty rakes of the Chennai-Rameswaram Express traveling from Mandapam to Rameswaram over the new bridge.

After this trial, the central spans of both bridges were raised to facilitate the passage of Indian Coast Guard vessels and fishing boats.

After this, the empty rakes of the Chennai-Rameswaram Express were operated from Rameswaram back to Mandapam.

Work on the new Pamban railway sea bridge commenced in 2019, with an estimated cost of Rs 535 crore.

In November 2024, the Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted an inspection and granted approval for train operations on the new bridge.

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the new Pamban railway bridge later this month.

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