Railway Safety Lapses and Reforms for Pamban Bridge
Why in News ?
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) flagged safety concerns regarding the Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu. A railway panel recommended setting up a bridge research center and implementing advanced safety measures before Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration on Ram Navami, April 6, 2025.
Concerns Raised by Railway Safety Panel:
- The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) identified lapses in the construction of the iconic Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, connecting Rameswaram on Pamban Island with Mandapam station on the mainland.
- A five-member railway panel, formed to address these concerns, submitted its report in January 2025, providing recommendations for improved safety and quality control.
- The panel emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Indian Railways Steel Bridge Code, focusing on annual traffic load and a 100-year design life.
Recommendations for Enhanced Safety and Monitoring
- The panel recommended setting up an advanced center for bridge research and monitoring at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara.
- It called for a specialized clearance window for iconic structures involving modern technologies, enabling seamless coordination between consultants, RDSO, and academic institutes.
- Preservation of design, drawing, and quality control records during span fabrication was suggested to ensure future reference and accountability.
Inauguration and Future Prospects
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pamban Bridge on Ram Navami (April 6, 2025), marking a significant milestone.
- The Prime Minister will also flag off the 15th train on the Pamban route.
- The panel’s recommendations aim to ensure the long-term safety, durability, and efficiency of the Pamban Bridge and future iconic railway structures in India.
About the Pamban Rail Bridge:● Connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam in mainland India. ● India’s first sea bridge and longest until the Bandra-Worli Sea Link opened in 2010. ● Features a double-leaf bascule section for ships and barges to pass. ● A new bridge construction began in 2020 to replace the existing one. ● Rail services on the old bridge were suspended in December 2022 due to corrosion. ● Train operations on the new bridge will commence soon. About Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)● Ensures rail safety under the Railways Act of 1989. ● Investigates train accidents and provides safety recommendations. ● Headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. ● Reports to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for impartiality. |