The Pamban Bridge Experience

When the water is too deep or the shipping lanes too vital to block with a solid causeway, engineers must build bridges. Railway sea bridges are some of the most impressive infrastructural achievements on earth.

Connecting Rameswaram

The Pamban Bridge is India’s first sea bridge, connecting the town of Mandapam on the mainland with Pamban Island and Rameswaram. Opened in 1914, this 2.06-kilometer bridge is a marvel of colonial-era engineering. Its most famous feature is the central Scherzer rolling lift span, which opens to allow ferries and ships to pass through the Palk Strait.

Riding the train over the Pamban Bridge is breathtaking. The trains move at a very slow pace—dictated by the age of the structure and the strong crosswinds. This leisurely speed allows passengers to lean out (where permitted) and take in the emerald-blue waters. It is a highly spiritual journey for many on pilgrimage to Rameswaram.

Modern Marvels: Seto Ohashi

In contrast to the antique charm of Pamban, the Seto Ohashi Bridge network in Japan represents ultra-modern efficiency. Spanning the Seto Inland Sea, it is a series of double-deck suspension, cable-stayed, and truss bridges. The upper deck carries automobile traffic, while the lower deck is reserved for trains.

Traveling on the Marine Liner between Honshu and Shikoku, passengers are treated to panoramic views of small, pine-covered islands dotted throughout the inland sea. The glass windows of the modern carriages frame these islands perfectly, making the 15-minute sea crossing feel like a rapid tour through a gallery of natural art.