Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of transformative rail and road projects valued at over $1 billion in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Among the highlights of the day was the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Pamban Rail Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering that seamlessly blends technology with tradition.
The Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, is an extraordinary addition to the nation’s infrastructural achievements. Built at a cost of over $84 million, the 2.08 km bridge features 99 spans and a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that rises to a height of 17 meters, allowing smooth navigation for large ships beneath it while ensuring uninterrupted train operations. Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement and protected by high-grade paint, the bridge is designed for durability and minimal maintenance, even in harsh marine environments. It also boasts dual rail tracks to meet future demands, underscoring its status as a forward-looking project.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the bridge addresses decades-long demands and will transform connectivity for Rameswaram, an ancient town revered for its spiritual significance and now a hub for modern infrastructure. The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit both local residents and tourists, fostering new economic opportunities in the region.
Modi also flagged off a new train service connecting Rameswaram to Chennai, marking a significant enhancement in railway connectivity for Tamil Nadu. Alongside, he inaugurated key road infrastructure projects, including the four-laning of the Walajapet-Ranipet section of NH-40 and the Viluppuram-Puducherry segment of NH-332, totaling approximately 156 kilometers in length and representing an investment exceeding $965 million. These roads are strategically designed to connect pilgrim centers, tourist attractions, and essential facilities like medical colleges and ports, benefiting local farmers, industries, and traders.
In his address, Modi acknowledged the monumental progress in India’s infrastructural landscape, noting that the nation has doubled its economy over the past decade. He pointed to mega projects such as the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Setu in Mumbai, Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, and now the Pamban Bridge, as examples of India’s strides towards modernization. He also highlighted the nearly sixfold increase in the infrastructure budget over the past decade, covering critical sectors like railways, roads, airports, and utilities, which have collectively propelled the nation’s growth.
The Prime Minister stressed that Tamil Nadu plays a vital role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. He underlined that the central government has significantly increased its allocation for the state, with the railway budget alone rising from less than $110 million annually before 2014 to more than $720 million this year. Tamil Nadu’s railway stations are also being upgraded under the modernization initiative, including Rameswaram station.
Beyond connectivity, the government has prioritized investments in social infrastructure, benefiting millions of Tamil Nadu residents. Under the PM Awas Yojana, over 12 million pucca houses have been constructed nationwide, with over 1.2 million houses built in Tamil Nadu. Piped water has been provided to more than 110 million families across India, including over 11 million families in Tamil Nadu. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the state has seen over 1 million treatments, saving families $960 million in healthcare expenses. Additionally, over 1,400 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Tamil Nadu have saved people $84 million through affordable medicine.
Recognizing the importance of education, Tamil Nadu has received 11 new medical colleges in recent years. Modi urged the state to introduce medical courses in Tamil, enabling greater access for children from economically disadvantaged families.
The Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s focus on supporting Tamil Nadu’s fisheries sector through investments in modern facilities such as seaweed parks, fishing harbors, and landing centers. In the past five years alone, Tamil Nadu has received substantial allocations under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. More than 3,700 fishermen, including over 600 in the last year, have been safely brought back from Sri Lanka, ensuring their well-being.
Modi underscored Tamil Nadu’s growing recognition as a leader in the blue economy, emphasizing its role in driving the nation’s economic progress. He added that the government is actively working to promote Tamil language and heritage globally, ensuring their reach to every corner of the world.
The Prime Minister concluded by reflecting on the BJP’s commitment to grassroots governance, noting the dedicated efforts of party workers nationwide. He expressed confidence that the sacred land of Rameswaram and Tamil Nadu will continue to inspire the nation toward prosperity and cultural enrichment.
