Describing it as a victory for technology, former President APJ Abdul Kalam today unveiled the centenary plaque of the Pamban Bridge, the first cantilever bridge of the country on the Palk Strait linking this town on Pamban coast to the mainland.
Kalam, a native of Rameswaram, complimented Railway Engineers for repairing the 2.3 km long bridge when it was battered by a cyclone in 1964, and then when it suffered damage after it was hit by a barge in January last year.
He also praised the engineers for their achievement in converting the bridge with broad gauge tracks to enable trains reach the island.
Kalam urged the Railway Minister to operate a direct day-time train from Rameswaram to Chennai for fishermen to transport fish and sell them at better price in Chennai or export them.
He said the bridge was a dream for the people of Rameswaram 100 years ago and it became a reality. His own forefathers did not see the bridge. Now the bridge was useful for lakhs of people from all over the country, he said.
The bridge also played a major role in the development of trade in the island.
Earlier when the bridge got damaged due to cyclone it took 46 days for engineers to repair it. But last year, engineers were able to repair the damage caused by collision of a barge within five days.
Southern Railways General Manager Rakesh Mishra said he was proud that the bridge has been maintained for 100 years, though it was located in an area where the corrosion impact was worst.
The Pamban Cantilever bridge was the country's first bridge across the sea to be opened on February 24,1914.
Kalam also declared open a public library, which he had constructed here at a cost of Rs.25 lakh. Writer Jayakanthan had donated Rs 10,000 worth of books for the library.
