Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, after concluding a three-day official visit aimed at enhancing India-Sri Lanka relations.
Bringing the visit to a meaningful close, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake saw him off at the airport, capping a series of symbolic and strategic engagements that underscored the deepening ties between the two nations.
The two leaders had earlier inaugurated the track upgrade of the Maho-Omanthai railway line, signaling a joint commitment to improved connectivity and regional cooperation.
PM Modi hailed the collaboration as a milestone in India-Sri Lanka friendship. In a post on X, he wrote, “Boosting connectivity and enhancing friendship! India is proud to support Sri Lanka in various aspects of their development journey.”
Following his departure, PM Modi travelled to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where he is scheduled to inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, on the occasion of Ram Navami.
The 2.07-kilometre-long bridge spans the Palk Strait, linking mainland India with Rameswaram Island, a significant pilgrimage and trade hub.
Designed to meet contemporary needs, the structure reflects India’s growing infrastructure capabilities.
Marking a leap in modern engineering, the Ministry of Railways highlighted the bridge’s advanced design, which includes a 72.5-metre vertical lift span and 88 steel girder spans, fabricated for single-line rail connectivity.
Replacing a historic landmark, this state-of-the-art structure takes the place of the original Pamban Bridge, built in 1914 by British engineers, which featured a cantilever design and a Scherzer rolling lift span.
While preserving its symbolic importance, the new bridge offers enhanced durability and functionality to serve increasing transportation demands.
The new bridge stands three metres higher than the original, allowing improved maritime passage beneath it and better resistance to the harsh marine environment.
According to the Railway Ministry, the original structure served as a vital link for over a century but could no longer meet modern demands.
In 2019, the Government of India sanctioned the construction of this technologically advanced and future-ready bridge.
“Harsh weather conditions and rising transportation needs called for a modern solution,” the Ministry stated. “The new bridge is a testament to India’s engineering excellence and vision for robust infrastructure.”
The Pamban Bridge has long served as a lifeline for pilgrims heading to the Ramanathaswamy Temple and for tourists exploring Tamil Nadu’s rich coastal heritage.
Over the decades, it has become an essential link, blending spiritual significance with practical connectivity.
Now, with the introduction of the new structure, India aims to further enhance maritime and rail connectivity, reduce travel time, and support the region’s religious and economic ecosystems.
By modernizing this critical link, the government seeks to strengthen infrastructure while preserving the cultural legacy of the region.
As PM Modi continues to emphasize infrastructure as a driver of growth, the inauguration of the New Pamban Bridge on a culturally significant day like Ram Navami symbolizes the union of tradition and modernity – a hallmark of his development agenda.
Also Read: PM Modi Offers Prayers At Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi In Sri Lanka; Launches Key Railway Projects
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