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Historic Journey Begins: PM Modi to Inaugurate New Pamban Bridge and Flag Off Tambaram-Rameswaram Express
India is set to witness a historic railway milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Tambaram-Rameswaram Express, the first train to cross the new Pamban Bridge, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Operated by Southern Railway, this express service not only symbolizes infrastructural progress but also boosts spiritual tourism to the island town of Rameswaram.
What is Special About the New Pamban Bridge?
The newly built Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, a modern engineering marvel replacing the 1914 structure. It will allow ships to pass under it by lifting vertically up to 17 meters.
Key Features of the Bridge:
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Total length: 2.07 kilometers
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Vertical lift span: 72.5 meters
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Time to open/close: ~3 minutes
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Operational control: Fully automatic with advanced sensors
This bridge strengthens rail connectivity between the mainland (Mandapam) and Rameswaram, ensuring smoother, faster, and safer train operations.
Tambaram-Rameswaram Express: Train Details and Timetable
Train Number:
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16103 – Tambaram to Rameswaram
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16104 – Rameswaram to Tambaram
Timings & Travel Duration:
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Train 16103:
Departure: Tambaram – 18:10 hrs
Arrival: Rameswaram – 05:40 hrs (Next day) -
Train 16104:
Departure: Rameswaram – 16:00 hrs
Arrival: Tambaram – 03:45 hrs (Next day) -
Total Distance: 618 km
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Approx Travel Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
Route and Station Halts
During its journey, the express will halt at the following stations:
Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Tiruppadiripuliyur, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Pattukottai, Aranthangi, Karaikudi, Sivaganga, Manamadurai, Paramakkudi, Ramanathapuram
This ensures maximum coverage across southern Tamil Nadu, offering accessibility to thousands of passengers.
Coach Composition
The train features a diverse set of coaches to cater to various passenger needs:
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1 AC Two Tier Coach
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5 AC Three Tier Coaches
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6 Sleeper Class Coaches
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4 General Second Class Coaches
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1 Coach for Differently-Abled Passengers
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1 Luggage cum Brake Van
Ticket Booking and Fare Details
Tickets are now available for booking via IRCTC online portal and at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
Fare Breakdown:
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Sleeper Class: ₹350
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AC 3 Tier: ₹950
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AC 2 Tier: ₹1355
Why This Launch Matters
🇮🇳 National Significance
This project reflects India’s growing railway modernization, making train travel faster, efficient, and more inclusive.
Engineering Feat
The vertical lift mechanism showcases India’s advancement in infrastructure, setting the tone for future bridge and railway designs.
Boost to Religious & Coastal Tourism
Rameswaram, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is expected to see a surge in tourism, benefiting the local economy.
Final Words
The Tambaram-Rameswaram Express running over the New Pamban Bridge is more than just a train service – it’s a symbol of modern India's journey toward seamless connectivity, smart engineering, and respect for tradition.
As PM Modi flags off this ambitious project, it marks yet another milestone in Indian Railways’ transformation story.