Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received by BJP leaders on Saturday as he arrived in Rameswaram to address a public meeting following the inauguration of India’s first vertical lift sea bridge — the New Pamban Bridge.
PM Modi was felicitated with a painting by Union Minister and BJP leader L Murugan. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present during the ceremony.
In his address, PM Modi dedicated the Pamban Bridge and several key national highway projects to the nation. He also laid the foundation stone for a series of upcoming road infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity across Tamil Nadu.
Highlighting the cultural and technological significance of the new sea bridge, PM Modi said, “A town that is thousands of years old is now connected by a 21st-century engineering marvel. I thank our engineers and workers for their dedication. This is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Big ships can pass beneath it, and trains can run faster on it.”
He added, “The new train service I just flagged off will enhance connectivity between Rameswaram and Chennai, and to other parts of the country. This will boost trade, tourism, and create new opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu.”
The Prime Minister also offered prayers earlier in the day at the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Touching upon the spiritual significance of Ram Navami, PM Modi referenced the celestial ‘Surya Tilak’ event held at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “Today, during this holy festival, the rays of the sun performed a magnificent tilak on Ram Lalla’s forehead. This divine moment reminds us of the timeless legacy of Lord Ram and his vision of good governance, which continues to inspire our nation-building efforts,” he said.
A live demonstration of the New Pamban Bridge showcased its dual functionality — an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) boat successfully passed beneath the lifted bridge, followed by a train crossing over it. The 2.07-km-long structure, spanning the Palk Strait, symbolizes the fusion of cutting-edge engineering and India’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth.
The inauguration of this bridge marks a transformative chapter for Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its strategic and spiritual significance while paving the way for improved regional connectivity and economic progress.