Chennai, Apr 5 (UNI) Clearance for operating train train services on the newly built iconic Pamban railway bridge that connects Rameswaram island and the mainland, tomorrow, was accorded after trial runs and various inspections conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) and concerns of corrosion were raised.
Southern Railway General Manager R N Singh, who had inspected the new bridge a few days back ahead of PM’s vist, said the launch will coincide with the Ram Navami celebrations and Mr Modi will visit the ancient Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, which has epic and religious significance to Lord Rama as it was from where he went to Sri Lanka by the bridge constructed by him.
Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge or Rama’s Bridge, is a chain of natural limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island (India) to Mannar Island (Sri Lanka), believed in Hindu mythology to be a bridge built by Lord Rama and his monkey army to reach Lanka and rescue Sita.
On March 22, a high-level team of senior railway officials, led by Additional General Manager (AGM) Kaushal Kishore, made a comprehensive assessment of key locations across Rameswaram and Pamban, evaluating logistical and security arrangements.
Accompanied by Madurai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sharad Srivastava and other top officials, the team inspected critical locations, including the Rameswaram temple premises, Mandapam camp helipad, Kunthukal, Mandapam railway station, and the Pamban road bridge, ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place for the landmark event.
After the site inspections, Mr Kishore also chaired a high-level security review meeting with senior railway authorities, law enforcement agencies, and state and central intelligence officials. The discussions focused on finalizing security protocols, crowd management strategies to ensure a seamless inauguration.
