Snippets of Information
Transportation systems
* 26 Apr 2026
The legendary 13-Arch Bridge (Pathimoonu Kannara Palam) is
located at Kazhathuruthi, Kollam, Kerala in Sengottai-Punalur section.
The bridge is sandwiched by the Kollam - Thirumangalam National Highway
on one side and river Kazhuthurutti on the other.
Source: Southern Railway - fb
* 25 Apr 2026
Pamban Bridges
The old Pamban Railway Bridge (1914 - 2026) was permanently
closed to rail traffic in December 2022 after structural cracks were
identified. While it occasionally serviced cargo prior to its
retirement, the 111-year-old structure was fully replaced by a new
vertical-lift bridge, with dismantling of the old span starting in early
2026. Train services were discontinued in December 2022 after safety
concerns. The 143-pier bridge survived for over 100 years, including the
1964 cyclone, but corrosion necessitated its replacement.
A new vertical-lift bridge - the New Pamban Bridge, was constructed alongside it and opened in 2025 to carry traffic between Mandapam and Rameswaram.
The Pamban Road Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge is a 2.34 km long structure inaugurated in 1988. It connects National Highway 49 to Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu over the Palk Strait.
Running parallel to the historic Pamban Rail Bridge, it serves as the
primary road link to the pilgrim town, designed to withstand
high-velocity cyclones.
Work to remove the iconic Scherzer span of the old bridge was scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Source: Google AI Overview
The Pamban Strait, which separates the Indian mainland from Rameswaram
Island in Tamil Nadu, is now home to an impressive engineering marvel,
as India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge, replacing the iconic
but aging 110-year-old Pamban bridge.
A vertical-lift railway sea bridge is a special kind of bridge that can
lift up in the middle, just like an elevator going up, so the boats can
safely go underneath it. Once the boat passes, the bridge comes back
down so the train can continue its journey. It’s a moving bridge that
helps both trains and boats go their way without getting in each other’s
path.
The original Pamban Bridge was a feat of its time. Inaugurated in 1914,
it stood as a proud lifeline connecting pilgrims and traders to the
sacred island of Rameswaram. But over the years, time and tides wore it
down. Harsh marine conditions, heavy winds, and salt-laden air pushed it
to its limits.
About 27 meters north of the old bridge now stands its younger, mightier
counterpart, stretching 2.07 kilometers across the sea. What makes this
bridge truly special is its 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span, a first
for Indian Railways. This means when a ship wants to pass, the central
section of the bridge can rise up by 17 meters, letting vessels glide
through with ease.
Its foundation is laid deep with over 330 massive piles, frame made with
stainless steel reinforcements, and it’s painted with special
marine-resistant coatings to survive the salty air. The bridge is also
built with the future in mind. While it currently supports one railway
track, the foundation is strong enough for two.
A three-cup anemometer constantly monitors wind speed. If it crosses 58
kmph, it triggers an automatic red signal, halting trains to ensure
safety. Meanwhile, in the control room at sea, an Atmospheric Water
Generator converts air humidity into clean drinking water for on-site
staff. Together, these innovations quietly safeguard lives and support
the people who keep the bridge running.
Source: Waves Beneath, Trains Above: The New Pamban Bridge by PIB Delhi, 7 Apr 2025
* 1 Apr 2026
5 Indian Railway stations that connect to other countries
- Haldibari Railway Station
Located 4.5 km from the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Haldibari
Railway Station connects with Chilhati Station in Bangladesh.
Operational since December 2020, the Mitali Express began its service in
2021, running from New Jalpaiguri Junction to Dhaka, with a stop at
Haldibari.
- Jaynagar Railway Station
In Bihar’s Madhubani district, it lies just 4 km from the Nepal border
and connects to Kurtha station in Janakpur, Nepal. This passenger train
service was restored recently, allowing people from both countries to
travel without passports or visas.
- Singhabad Railway Station
Located in Malda district, West Bengal, this is an important freight
transit point linking to Rohanpur in Bangladesh and to Nepal.
- Petrapole Railway Station
Located in the North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, this station
connects to Benapole in Bangladesh and is the starting point for the
Bandhan Express that runs between Kolkata and Khulna. is a crucial hub
for both passenger (need valid passports and visas) and freight
services.
- Radhikapur Railway Station
Located in West Bengal near the Bangladesh border in Uttar Dinajpur, it
connects directly to Biral Railway Station in Bangladesh. Mainly
handling freight, it plays a big role in boosting trade between India’s
eastern states like Assam and Bihar and parts of Bangladesh.
Sources:
5 Indian Railway stations that connect you to other countries, ET Online, 15 Jan 15 2025
India’s International Train Links: These 5 Indian Stations Connect You To Another Country By Train, Zee Media Bureau, 6 Jun 2025
* 1 Apr 2026
Sikkim - the only state currently without railway connectivity
The Sivok-Rangpo railway project is an effort by the Indian Railways to
link the state of Sikkim with the national rail system for their first
time. This challenging venture covers 44.98 kilometers and will connect
Sivok in West Bengal with Rangpo in Sikkim, passing through beautiful
mountains and valleys along its route. The Sivok-Rangpo railway project
is carried out by the Northeast Frontier Railway zone together with
IRCON International Limited, which used to be called Indian Railways
Construction Company Limited. The train track will have five stops on
its way: these are Sivok, Riyang, and Teesta Bazaar in the state of West
Bengal; also, Melli and Rangpo which are located in Sikkim.
The Sivok-Rangpo train project will pass through difficult land,
including the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and various forest areas like
Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and East Sikkim. This railway track
will have 19 bridges and 14 tunnels; these tunnels make up about 38.55
kilometers which is almost 85% of the entire route. The longest tunnel
will measure 5,270 meters, while the shortest will span 538 meters.
This train line will link to the Nathu La pass, which is a key point on the border between Sikkim and China.
The Teesta Bazaar railway station is a key part of the Sivok-Rangpo
railway project. It’s going to be India’s first big underground station
in high places and partly mountain areas. This station will have a
platform that is 620 meters long, so it can hold an entire train with
all its carriages. Additionally, the station will have six access
tunnels for emergencies and evacuations.
Source: sikkimtourism.org
* 1 Apr 2026
The Jaynagar Railway Station in Madhubani, Bihar, serves as the last
railway station in India bordering Nepal. A short distance separates the
Indian and Nepalese stations, connected by an overbridge. This allows
passengers to travel on both Indian and foreign railways. The station,
part of North Railway, allows access to destinations across India
including Delhi and Mumbai. On the other side of a wall lies the
Nepalese railway station, informally known as 'Jaynagar Nepali Railway
Station.' Upon entering the Nepalese station, baggage checks are
conducted. Passengers can then proceed with their journey. The
overbridge at Jaynagar Railway Station provides access to both Indian
and Nepalese railways. The Indian government funds the Nepalese railway
infrastructure, including trains, stations, and track laying, with some
involvement from the Nepalese government. The Konkan Railway Corporation
Limited, a Government of India undertaking, constructed the Nepal
Railway Project.
Source: indiarailinfo.com
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