Pamban Bridge Safety Concerns Addressed by Dedicated Committee

The iconic Pamban Bridge, connecting mainland India to the southern tip, has come under scrutiny due to concerns raised by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) regarding its structural integrity and safety standards. To address these concerns, the Railway Board has established a dedicated five-member technical committee headed by RK Goel, PED (Bridge), Railway Board.

The CRS report highlighted several lapses in the bridge's planning, including the use of a non-RDSO standard lift span girder designed using foreign codes without RDSO's involvement. Additionally, the report noted the absence of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for this crucial project, which further deviated from standard guidelines.

In response, the Ministry of Railways clarified that the Pamban Bridge, with its unique 72-meter Vertical Lift span, was designed by TYPSA, an international consultant, using European and Indian codes. The design was proof-checked by IIT Chennai and IIT Mumbai, demonstrating its adherence to international standards.

Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized the bridge's construction based on state-of-the-art design and best practices. The welding of structural members has been rigorously inspected, and the bridge employs a special corrosion protection scheme with a 35-year design life.

Despite these measures, the Ministry acknowledged the importance of addressing the CRS's concerns. The five-member committee will thoroughly evaluate these concerns and recommend necessary actions to further enhance the bridge's safety, ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of this vital infrastructure.