Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (Pamban Bridge)
Rameswaram, India
- Drive across the bridge.
- Enjoy the ocean view.
- Photograph the railway bridge.
- Walk along the bridge.
Known for:
Description:
The Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, also known as the Pamban Road Bridge, is a cantilever bridge on Pamban Island that connects the town of Rameswaram to mainland India. It runs parallel to the iconic Pamban Railway Bridge and offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Driving or walking across the bridge provides a unique experience, especially when the railway bridge opens to allow ships to pass through. The bridge is a major landmark and a vital transportation link for the region. Tourists often stop to capture the breathtaking scenery and marvel at the engineering feat.
History:
The Pamban Road Bridge was constructed to alleviate the increasing traffic congestion on the existing Pamban Railway Bridge, which was the only link between Rameswaram Island and the mainland for many years. The need for a dedicated road bridge became apparent as tourism and trade in the region grew. Construction began in 1974 and the bridge was completed and opened to the public in 1988. It was named in honor of the then-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The bridge has since played a crucial role in improving connectivity and facilitating economic development in the Rameswaram region, serving as a vital artery for both locals and tourists.