Chennai:
India’s first vertical elevate sea bridge at Pamban in southern Tamil Nadu might be opened in January to revive rail connectivity to Rameswaram island from the nation’s mainland.
The 2.08-km-long bridge, constructed by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), is predicted to permit the Indian Railways to function trains at a better pace.
It has been constructed parallel to an current bridge that was constructed by the British and is believed to be 110 years outdated.
Officials stated that not like the heritage construction, the girders from all sides of the brand new bridge will open up like a butterfly to permit ships and different vessels to cross via. A elevate span, which is 72.5-metres lengthy, 16 metres vast and weighs 550 tonnes, might be lifted up mechanically as much as 17 metres.
Although the Commissioner for Railway Safety has given his nod to run trains on the bridge, he has flagged key considerations, together with insufficient measures to test corrosion and deviation from the girder’s authentic design.
However, authorities stated the considerations are being addressed. “We have made a strong 250 micron degree coat and this has certified CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute)’s check,” stated R Srinivasan, Senior Deputy General Manager, RVNL.
On complaints of design deviation, Mr Srinivasan stated: “It’s a brand new idea and each IIT Madras and IIT Bombay have permitted our design.” The authentic design was conceptualised by the Research Design and Standards Organisation of the Indian Railway.
He additionally stated the bridge is prepared for inauguration, and that the construction will final for a 100 years.
The practice providers between Mandapam within the mainland and Rameswaram island had been suspended on December 23, 2022 after the prevailing rail bridge was declared non-operational from the security standpoint. Severe corrosion had made it weak and unfit for operations, officers stated.
At current, all trains terminate at Mandapam and folks use street routes to succeed in Rameswaram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the inspiration stone of the brand new bridge in November 2019. The work began in February 2020 and was imagined to be accomplished by December 2021, however the deadline was prolonged as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.