Train passes at 90kmph on new Pamban rail bridge

Ramanathapuram: The second day of inspection of the new Pamban bridge by the commissioner of railway safety (CRS), southern circle, witnessed the inspection train achieving an overall speed of 90kmph between Pamban and Mandapam, on Thursday. While crossing the vertical span of the bridge, the train was operated at 80kmph. Before holding a speed trial, CRS A M Chowdhary and the team of officials tested the vertical lift girder of the bridge. Officials from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), demonstrated the operation of the bridge to the CRS and officials. The new Pamban bridge's vertical lift girder span is an engineering marvel, ensuring safe and efficient rail and marine traffic, according to RVNL officials.After inspecting the bridge, the CRS and team carried out a speed trial between Pamban and Mandapam using an inspection train. Earlier, the CRS inspected the operation of an empty rake on the bridge span. Railway officials said that the speed on the Pamban bridge will be decided based on the instructions of the CRS.Once the CRS certifies the bridge fit for operation, Southern Railway will fix the date for commissioning the train operation on the bridge. The CRS and officials commenced the inspection of the Pamban Bridge on Wednesday, concluding it on Thursday afternoon after the speed trial. After the inspection, Madurai divisional railway manager Sharad Srivastava visited Rameswaram station, which has been prepared to receive train passengers after two years once the new bridge is commissioned. The station redevelopment work is also in process at Rameswaram station.Train connectivity between Mandapam and Rameswaram was suspended in Dec 2022 after the sensors fixed on the old railway bridge issued a red alert.
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