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NEW DELHI: On the occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu, on April 6, where he is scheduled to inaugurate India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, offer prayers at the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple, and launch a series of major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore.
Inauguration of New Pamban Rail Bridge in Rameswaram
At around 12 noon, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Pamban Rail Bridge, a landmark engineering project that connects Rameswaram to the mainland. India’s first vertical sea-bridge, built at a cost of over Rs 700 crore, is 2.08 km long and features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises to a height of 17 metres to allow ship passage beneath. Designed to support dual rail tracks, the bridge incorporates advanced materials like stainless steel reinforcements, fully welded joints, and special protective coatings for enhanced durability in the marine environment.
PM Modi will also flag off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram (Chennai) and witness the live operation of the bridge’s lift mechanism, along with the symbolic launch of a ship from the adjacent road bridge.
Visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple
At approximately 12.45 PM, the Prime Minister is schedule to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, where he will perform darshan and pooja.
Launch of Rs 8,300 crore rail, road projects and public address
Later in the day, at around 1.30 PM, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 8,300 crore. During the event, the Prime Minister is also set to address a public gathering.
Meanwhile the infra projects include key rail and highway developments across Tamil Nadu:
- Four-laning of the 28 km Walajapet–Ranipet section of NH-40 (foundation stone)
- 29 km Viluppuram–Puducherry section of NH-332 (dedication)
- 57 km Poondiyankuppam–Sattanathapuram section of NH-32 (dedication)
- 48 km Cholapuram–Thanjavur section of NH-36 (dedication)
These upgrades are said to improve connectivity to pilgrim centres, tourist hubs, ports, medical institutions, and agricultural markets, boosting regional development and benefiting farmers, small businesses, and local industries, particularly in leather and handicraft sectors, as per the government’s statement.
