Railways asks IIT-M to assess strength of Pamban bridge and analyse options

RAMESWARAM ( Tamil Nadu): The Indian Railways has requested IIT Madras to assess the strength of the century old cantilever bridge at Pamban and analyse options, including if it was necessary to build a new one adjacent to the present structure, according to a top railway official.

The options included building a new bridge with a split span for navigation, further strengthening the existing one or building a higher level structure like a road bridge, G Narayanan, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway, said.

The ADGM, who was here yesterday to discuss arrangements for the centenary celebration of the bridge, said IIT-M had been asked to submit its report by February 2014.

The centenary will be celebrated on February 24 next year. He said Railways planned to invite former President A P J Abdul Kalam, a native of Rameswaram, who played a vital role in strengthening the bridge during gauge conversion work in 2007, for the centenary celebration

They also planned to invite R Sreedharan, the man behind the Delhi Metro, who played a major role in repairing the bridge after it was damaged in the 1964 cyclone, he said.