The new Pamban Bridge, India's first vertical lift railway Sea Bridge, is a marvel of modern construction, connecting Rameswaram Island to mainland Tamil Nadu. The new bridge has bought in some debate & discussion, not just for its impressive engineering but on the blue print. If one takes a closer look: this brand-new structure, built with cutting-edge technology, may have a shorter lifespan than its century-old predecessor.
Thus - "How can a bridge built in 2023 have a shorter life expectancy than one built in 1914?" Well, that's what the experts are scratching their heads to find an answer. The old Pamban Bridge, an outcome to British engineering, braved the corrosive sea air and unpredictable weather for over 108 years, finally retired from service in December 2022.
This iconic and aging bridge had a Scherzer rolling lift design, was constructed using high-grade steel and a unique "silver paint" for protection, it withstood the test of time, cyclones, and even a devastating tsunami in 2004.
In stark contrast, the shiny new bridge, constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), though boasts a modern vertical lift design, allowing for taller ships to pass through. It incorporates advanced materials and technology, including the use of polysiloxane paint for corrosion resistance. But this new bridge is estimated to last just 38 years without maintenance and up to 58 years with upkeep. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has raised concerns, not just about the lifespan, but also about potential violations of bridge construction norms and the adequacy of the anti-corrosion measures.
This has put Southern Railway on the defensive. They've launched an aggressive campaign to highlight the bridge's striking features, drawing comparisons to iconic vertical lift bridges worldwide like London's Tower Bridge. They emphasise the bridge's modern materials and technologies, "surpass its predecessors in efficiency and durability." But the CRS report casts a shadow over these claims. It has prompted Southern Railway to address the recommendations, including enhancing the bridge's protection against corrosion. They are exploring options like utilising specialised coating systems and implementing a rigorous maintenance schedule to extend the bridge's lifespan. Thus it’s time we have a two pronged approach of innovation and durability.
