Transforming Safety: Southern Railway’s Chief Officer Inspects Pamban’s Spectacular New Rail Bridge
Principal Chief Safety Officer Lalit Kumar Mansukhani inspected the newly constructed Pamban rail bridge on Thursday, accompanied by officials from the Southern Railway. This two-kilometer-long bridge spans the Pamban channel and is crucial for connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. During the inspection, Mr. Mansukhani used a motor trolley to closely evaluate the bridge’s features, particularly focusing on the vertical lift span.
Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, the vertical lift has faced technical challenges, reportedly malfunctioning on three separate occasions. The 72.5-meter-long center span, designed to lift for vessel passage, has struggled with its electro-mechanical system, leading to delays in train operations between Rameswaram and the mainland. On multiple occasions in the past fortnight, trains have been halted due to the lift’s inability to lower the span, causing considerable inconvenience to travelers.
In light of these issues, railway officials have convened to discuss necessary improvements to the electro-mechanical system. The aim is to ensure that the 654-tonne center span can be reliably lowered in a timely manner, allowing trains to pass without delay. Mr. Mansukhani emphasized the importance of efficient operations to facilitate smooth movement across the bridge.
Following the on-site inspections, Mansukhani addressed the team at the Madurai divisional office, where he urged heightened safety measures in train operations. His discussion with Divisional Railway Manager Om Prakash Meena and other officials underscored a commitment to ensuring safe and reliable travel for passengers.
As the Southern Railway seeks to optimize the functionality of the Pamban rail bridge, continuous monitoring and improvement of its systems will be vital. The bridge not only serves as a critical transport route but also stands as a symbol of progress for the region.
Ensuring the reliability of the Pamban rail bridge will be paramount as it continues to facilitate vital connections between Rameswaram and the mainland. Stakeholders remain hopeful that the proposed improvements will enhance both safety and efficiency for the thousands who rely on this key infrastructure.
Published: August 28, 2025, 08:18 PM IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/southern-railway-principal-chief-safety-officer-inspects-pamban-new-rail-bridge/article69985202.ece
Category : Madurai
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Publish Date: 2025-08-28 20:18:00
