Daily Current Affairs : 22-September-2023

The New Pamban Bridge, a remarkable railway sea bridge connecting the town of Mandapam in mainland India with the picturesque Rameswaram on Pamban Island, has been the talk of the town since its construction commenced in 2019. However, as its scheduled completion date of November approaches, concerns have arisen that this ambitious project might miss its deadline. This essay explores the significance of the New Pamban Bridge, the challenges it faces, and the historical context of its predecessor, the Old Pamban Bridge.

The New Pamban Bridge: A Marvel in the Making

Construction Overview

The New Pamban Bridge, a project overseen by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, is a groundbreaking endeavor. Spanning a length of 2.05 kilometers, it proudly holds the title of India’s first-ever vertical lift sea bridge. This engineering marvel is not only an infrastructure project but also a testament to human innovation and perseverance.

Challenging Terrain

One of the most significant hurdles in constructing the New Pamban Bridge is the challenging geographic and environmental conditions. This sea bridge is situated in a corrosive marine environment, which is notorious for cyclones and high-wind velocities. Overcoming these obstacles requires not only engineering expertise but also meticulous planning to ensure the bridge’s longevity and safety.

Parallel to the Past

The New Pamban Bridge is not merely an addition but a replacement for its predecessor, the Old Pamban Bridge. Constructed in 1914, the Old Pamban Bridge served as the sole lifeline connecting Mandapam and Rameswaram for many decades. It remained unchallenged until the construction of a new road bridge in 1988, which ran parallel to the sea link, easing transportation woes.

The Old Pamban Bridge: A Historical Link

Early Purpose

The Old Pamban Bridge’s construction in 1914 marked a significant milestone in connecting Mandapam and Rameswaram. Before its existence, there were limited means to traverse between the mainland and the island. This railway bridge not only facilitated transportation but also played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the region.

Branch Lines and Cyclone Devastation

Historically, the railway line bifurcated after reaching Pamban Island. One line extended for 10.06 kilometers towards Rameswaram, while another branch line stretched for 24 kilometers, terminating at Dhanushkodi. Tragically, in 1964, a devastating cyclone wreaked havoc on the Dhanushkodi line, severing an important link and causing widespread destruction.

Important Points:

The New Pamban Railway Sea Bridge

  • Under construction, connecting Mandapam in mainland India to Rameswaram on Pamban Island.
  • Construction began in 2019 and overseen by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
  • India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, spanning 2.05 kilometers.
  • Faces challenges due to a corrosive marine environment, cyclone-prone location, and high-wind velocity zone.
  • Designed to replace the old Pamban Bridge, running parallel to it.

The Old Pamban Bridge

  • Built in 1914, historically connecting Mandapam to Rameswaram.
  • Served as the only link between the two locations until a new road bridge was constructed in 1988.
  • Railway line bifurcated on Pamban Island, with one branch leading to Rameswaram and another to Dhanushkodi.
  • The Dhanushkodi line was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964.
Why In News

The anticipated completion date for the Pamban railway sea bridge in Tamil Nadu, originally set for November, appears to be at risk of being delayed. This delay could potentially impact the transportation network in the region.

MCQs about Pamban Bridges

  1. What is the length of the New Pamban Bridge, making it India’s first-ever vertical lift sea bridge?
    A. 1.05 kilometers
    B. 2.05 kilometers
    C. 3.05 kilometers
    D. 4.05 kilometers
    Correct Answer: B. 2.05 kilometers
    Explanation: The New Pamban Bridge spans a length of 2.05 kilometers, making it India’s first vertical lift sea bridge.
  2. When did the construction of the Old Pamban Bridge begin?
    A. 1914
    B. 1988
    C. 1964
    D. 2019
    Correct Answer: A. 1914
    Explanation: The Old Pamban Bridge was built in 1914.
  3. What significant natural event led to the destruction of the railway line leading to Dhanushkodi on Pamban Island?
    A. Earthquake
    B. Tsunami
    C. Cyclone
    D. Tornado
    Correct Answer: C. Cyclone
    Explanation: The railway line leading to Dhanushkodi on Pamban Island was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964.
  4. Why is the construction of the New Pamban Bridge challenging?
    A. It is the world’s longest bridge.
    B. It is located in a desert environment.
    C. It is situated in a corrosive marine environment and a cyclone-prone area.
    D. It has to connect two different countries.
    Correct Answer: C. It is situated in a corrosive marine environment and a cyclone-prone area.
    Explanation: The one of the challenges faced during the construction of the New Pamban Bridge is its location in a corrosive marine environment, which is also cyclone-prone and has high-wind velocities.

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