Pamban bridge to be repaired

The Indian Railways has decided to replace the 101-year-old famed Pamban viaduct's full scherzer lift span and the girders at an outlay of around Rs.25 crore.

According to the summary of the Railway Works, Machinery Rolling Stock Programme for 2015-16 which formed part of the railway budget for 2015-16, it has been decided to replace the span as a safety measure.

"The Pamban viaduct was commissioned for traffic under MG (metre gauge) in 1914. Strengthening and modification of scherzser pan for BG (broad gauge) standard was done during gauge conversion in 2007," the budget document said.

"All members are now severely corroded. While lifting and lowering, hardship is experienced because of excess wear and tear of gear setup in the scherzer span," it added.

As a safety measure it has been decided to replace the span at an anticipated cost of Rs.19.50 core with an outlay of Rs.one crore during 2015-16.

In addition the existing 16 girders on the bridge would also be replaced at an outlay of around Rs.5.23 crore. A sum of Rs.1 crore has been allocated for the project during 2015-16.

Strengthening and modification of existing girders for broad gauge standard was done during 2007.

"The girders are badly corroded now and need replacement. It is therefore considered essential to replace 16 most corroded girders," the document said.

The country's first sea bridge, the Pambam bridge was opened in 1914 for metre gauge trains. It was later upgraded for broad gauge trains.

The bridge connects Rameswaram on Pamban island with the mainland.

The unique feature of the bridge is that it can be raised midway to allow ships and barges to pass through.