Rameswaram, the coastal town in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, is bracing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival on Sunday, with authorities implementing extensive security measures.
A total of 2,700 police personnel have been deployed to ensure a smooth and secure visit. The security detail includes the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the South Zone, along with two Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), 12 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 13 Additional SPs, and 35 Deputy SPs.
Inauguration of India’s First Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge
A highlight of PM Modi’s visit will be the inauguration of the iconic Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.
The bridge stretches 2.08 kilometers and cost Rs 550 crore to construct. It features 99 spans and a 72.5-meter vertical lift section that can rise up to 17 meters.
This innovative design will allow ships to pass beneath the bridge, with its 660-metric-ton lift span serving as a testament to India’s engineering prowess.
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The Pamban Bridge will significantly enhance connectivity to Rameswaram, a popular pilgrimage destination, facilitating easier travel for thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
The design also includes provisions for dual rail tracks, anticipating future demand and bolstering regional development.
Flagging Off New Train Service To Boost Regional Connectivity
During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate a new train service connecting Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai.
This new train service will further improve regional connectivity, making travel more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Preparation For The Visit And High-Level Inspections
Extensive preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit have been ongoing for several weeks. On March 22, a high-level team led by Additional General Manager Kaushal Kishore conducted an inspection of crucial sites in Rameswaram and Pamban.
The team, which included senior railway officials, reviewed infrastructure and logistical arrangements at key locations, including the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Mandapam camp helipad, Kunthukal, Mandapam railway station, and the Pamban road bridge.
After these inspections, railway officials, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence personnel held a high-level review meeting to ensure a smooth and secure inauguration event.
In a statement released on April 5, Indian Railways highlighted the significance of the Pamban Bridge, describing it as ‘bridging the past, lifting the new’.
The statement emphasized the bridge’s connection between Rameswaram and the mainland, showcasing India’s engineering excellence on the global stage.
PM Modi’s Visit To Ramanathaswamy Temple And Infrastructure Projects
In addition to inaugurating the Pamban Bridge, PM Modi is expected to visit the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple around 12:45 PM.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones for several infrastructure projects worth Rs 8,300 crore. These projects include major highway developments aimed at improving connectivity and supporting regional growth.
The four-laning of key road sections, including the 28-km Walajapet-Ranipet stretch of NH 40, the 29-km Villupuram-Puducherry stretch of NH 332, the 57-km Poondiyankuppam-Sattanathapuram section of NH 32, and the 48-km Cholapuram-Thanjavur stretch of NH 36, will improve access to pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations.
These developments will also benefit local farmers by enhancing transportation of agricultural produce and boosting market access for small-scale industries.
With these significant projects, the visit aims to not only enhance spiritual tourism but also foster economic growth and regional development in Tamil Nadu.
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