Enhanced Security Measures in Rameswaram Ahead of PM Modi's Pamban Bridge Inauguration
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Synopsis
Rameswaram is under heavy police security as PM Modi prepares for the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge. The visit includes new train service announcements and the unveiling of significant infrastructure projects.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy police presence with 2,700 personnel for security.
- Inauguration of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.
- Bridge enhances accessibility for pilgrims and tourists.
- New train service to connect Rameswaram and Tambaram.
- Foundation stones for Rs 8,300 crore infrastructure projects.
Chennai, April 6 (NationPress) The coastal town of Rameswaram, located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, is under stringent police security as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit on Sunday for a series of official activities, including the inauguration of the historic Pamban Bridge.
A comprehensive security plan has been implemented with the deployment of 2,700 police personnel. The security team includes the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the South Zone, two Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), 12 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 13 Additional SPs, and 35 Deputy SPs.
A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit is the inauguration of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge at Pamban. This 2.08-kilometre-long bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore, features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift section that can rise to 17 metres.
Engineered with provisions for dual rail tracks to accommodate future demands, the bridge represents an indigenous engineering triumph. A remarkable aspect of the new Pamban Bridge is its vertical lift span, which weighs 660 metric tons. This structure can be raised to permit the passage of vessels underneath -- an innovation entirely developed using Indian technology.
The bridge is anticipated to significantly enhance connectivity to Rameswaram, a prominent pilgrimage destination, making travel more convenient for thousands of visitors and devotees.
During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate a new train service connecting Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai, further improving regional connectivity. Preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit have been in progress for several weeks. On March 22, a high-level team led by Additional General Manager Kaushal Kishore conducted a thorough inspection of key sites in Rameswaram and Pamban. This team, which included Madurai Divisional Railway Manager Sharad Srivastava and other senior officials, assessed critical infrastructure and logistical arrangements at locations such as the Ramanathaswamy temple premises, Mandapam camp helipad, Kunthukal, Mandapam railway station, and the Pamban road bridge.
Following the inspections, a high-level review meeting involving senior railway officials, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence personnel was convened to ensure a seamless and secure inauguration event.
The Indian Railways, in a statement released on April 5, remarked: “Bridging the past, lifting the new, Pamban stands tall with a breathtaking view. This Ram Navami, witness the unveiling of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.”
The statement further emphasized that the bridge connects Rameswaram to the mainland and symbolizes Indian engineering excellence on a global platform.
Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple around 12.45 p.m. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stones for various infrastructure projects worth Rs 8,300 crore. These projects include significant highway developments such as the four-laning of the 28-km Walajapet-Ranipet section of NH 40, the dedication of the 29-km four-laned Villupuram-Puducherry stretch of NH 332, the 57-km Poondiyankuppam-Sattanathapuram section of NH 32, and the 48-km Cholapuram-Thanjavur section of NH 36.
These road initiatives are expected to greatly enhance access to pilgrimage centers and tourist spots while benefiting local farmers by facilitating easier transportation of agricultural products and improving market reach for small-scale industries.
