Rakesh Misra, General Manager, Southern Railway, has suggested a detailed study on the various options for the future of the historic Pamban rail bridge that is in its centenary year. Addressing a seminar on ‘100 Years of Pamban Rail Bridge – Past, Present and Future’, Mr. Misra said the study should focus on techno-economical aspects of preserving the structure.
M. Satheesh, the Principal Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, highlighted the various developments that took place during the 100-year-life of the bridge and also the options for the future.
Dr. Kalyanaraman, former Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras elaborated the various studies and tests carried out on the Pamban bridge prior to the gauge conversion to ascertain the condition of various components of the Scherzer span and retrofitting of the same to comply with Broad Gauge standards.
Dr. Arul Jeyachandran, Professor, IIT-M stressed the need for special maintenance methods for the Pamban bridge.