Tambaram-Rameswaram Express on New Pamban Bridge

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:

Total length: 2.07 kilometers
Vertical lift span: 72.5 meters
Time to open/close: ~3 minutes
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:

16103 – Tambaram to Rameswaram
16104 – Rameswaram to Tambaram

Timings & Travel Duration:

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
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:

1 AC Two Tier Coach
5 AC Three Tier Coaches
6 Sleeper Class Coaches
4 General Second Class Coaches
1 Coach for Differently-Abled Passengers
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:

Sleeper Class: ₹350
AC 3 Tier: ₹950
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.