Crossing the spectacular Indira Gandhi Bridge in Tamil Nadu
Located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. It connects the National Highway (NH 49) with Rameswaram on Pamban Island.
How long is the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge?
The bridge, also known as the Pamban Bridge, is 2.345km long. The road over the bridge is asphalted. It is the longest bridge in southern India. It took close to 14 years to be completed. The bridge is located in the world's second most corrosive environment after Florida, making its maintenance a challenging job. The location is also a cyclone-prone high wind velocity zone. The construction of this bridge has left many engineers wondering as it stands tall and strong even today. The ships too can pass under the bridge and hence it is most convenient means of commutation.
When was the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge built?
This engineering marvel was inaugurated by former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi On October 2, 1988. It was one of the India's first sea bridges. Surrounded by the serine blue water from all sides, it is also one among the suggested road trips. It offers exquisite views of the Railway Bridge and Rameshwaram Island. Pamban bridge is also associated to a legend; it is believed that this bridge has been constructed at a sacred place named Pamban. Pamban is the place where Lord Rama has an arrow to the ground so as to get the water to quench Goddess Sita’s thirst.
Pic: By Arun from Taipei, Taiwan - Pamban Bridge, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15439298