Staff Reporter
RAMANATHAPURAM: “Fabulous achievement,” remarked S.K. Vij, Member, Engineering, Railway Board, after inspecting the converted Pamban railway bridge, a few months ago. Engineers and skilled and unskilled labourers are eagerly awaiting to see the first passenger train on broad gauge track cross the bridge on Sunday.
Big challenge
The environment was not at all conducive for work at sea. They braved against the unfriendly atmosphere and studied the basic foundation and structure of the bridge for several days. Guided by the engineers, the workers executed the most difficult task.
Cost barrier
Initially, authorities decided to pull down the structure to construct a new bridge using foreign technology. Global tenders were floated.
It was estimated that it would cost between Rs. 600 crore and Rs. 800 crore.
This forced the authorities to take a re-look at the project and Southern Railway decided to lay broad gauge rails on the existing bridge by strengthening the piers. The work was completed at a cost of Rs.23 crore.
It took nine months to carry out all works to convert the meter gauge track to broad gauge.
A total of 1023 persons were involved.
Indigenous technology
“No doubt, it is a proud moment for he Railways. The work has been completed using indigenous technology. It is team work. Credit goes to all those who directly and indirectly contributed to the successful completion of work,” said A.K. Sinha, Chief Bridge Engineer, Southern Railway.
