PM Modi inaugurates India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu, launches over Rs 8,300 crore infrastructure projects

New Delhi, Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the new Pamban Rail Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He also flagged off a new train to Chennai and a ship and launched several major rail and road projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore. “I feel blessed to have prayed at the Ramanathaswamy temple today. On this special day of Ram Navami, I had the opportunity to hand over development projects worth Rs 8,300 crore to the people of Tamil Nadu,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a large gathering.

The new Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram to the mainland and is a major engineering achievement. Built at over Rs 700 crore, the 2.08-kilometre-long bridge features a lift span that rises to let ships pass below while still allowing trains to run. It’s also made to last in tough sea weather. “This bridge symbolises the union of technology and tradition. A town thousands of years old is now connected by a 21st-century marvel,” the Prime Minister said. He thanked the engineers and workers who built the bridge, calling it a proud moment for the country.

PM Modi also launched a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram (Chennai) and said this will help people travel more easily and boost trade and tourism in the region. “This bridge and the new train service will improve both business and travel. It will also create more jobs for our youth,” he added. Referring to the importance of building good infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, “In the last 10 years, India has doubled the size of its economy because of modern infrastructure. Our budget for things like roads, railways, and airports has increased nearly six times.” He highlighted key national projects such as Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the tallest rail bridges in the world, Atal Setu in Mumbai,  India’s longest sea bridge, Bogibeel Bridge in Assam and bullet train and Vande Bharat trains for modern rail travel

Speaking on Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s growth, PM Modi said, “Tamil Nadu plays a big role in India's journey to becoming a developed nation. As Tamil Nadu grows, India grows.” He shared that before 2014, Tamil Nadu used to get around Rs 900 crore each year for railways. “Now, the state is getting more than Rs 6,000 crore for railway projects,” he said. 77 railway stations, including Rameswaram, are being modernised. PM Modi also laid foundation stones for major highway projects, which include: These roads will help farmers, businesses, and people reach hospitals and markets faster,” he said. He also spoke about Tamil Nadu’s progress in social welfare saying that over 12 lakh houses built in the state under PM Awas yojana, over one crore homes now have tap water, more than one crore medical treatments provided under Ayushman Bharat, saving families around Rs 8,000 crore and 1,400 Jan Aushadhi stores in Tamil Nadu, helping people get medicines at up to 80% discount.

On education and youth opportunities, he said: “Tamil Nadu has received 11 new medical colleges. I urge the state government to start medical courses in Tamil to help more children become doctors.”

PM Modi also praised Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s blue economy and fishing industry. “We’ve brought back over 3,700 fishermen from Sri Lanka in the last decade, including more than 600 just last year.” Talking about India's culture and global influence, he said, “The Tamil language and heritage are India’s pride. We are working to take this rich tradition to the world.” On the BJP’s foundation day, he added: “Our goal is to build a strong and developed India. Every BJP worker is working hard to serve the poor and take the country forward.”