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.

Railway Safety Lapses and Reforms for Pamban Bridge

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.