New Delhi, Feb 25: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited , a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has been conferred the prestigious “Trailblazing Special Infrastructure Award” at the Build India Infra Awards 2026 for the landmark Pamban Bridge project. The award recognises exceptional and path-breaking infrastructure initiatives that redefine engineering benchmarks, create transformative socio-economic impact, and embody innovation and sustainability. Director operations Shri MP Singh RVNL and Shri B.N. Singh Senior Advisor RVNL received the award on behalf of RVNL.
The Build India Infra Awards
The Build India Infra Awards is a nationally recognised platform celebrating excellence in infrastructure development across sectors including railways, highways, ports, energy, and urban development. The awards are evaluated by an eminent jury comprising policymakers, industry leaders, and infrastructure experts. The “Trailblazing Special Infrastructure Award” category is reserved for projects that are first-of-their-kind, technologically advanced, and of outstanding national importance.
The Pamban Bridge – A Landmark Engineering Achievement
The new Pamban Bridge is a 2.1-km long railway sea bridge connecting Rameswaram Island to mainland India in Tamil Nadu. It replaces the historic 1914 Pamban Bridge and stands as a symbol of modern Indian engineering excellence.
Key Highlights of Pamban Bridge
- India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge
- 72-metre navigational span enabling smooth maritime movement
- Designed for higher train speeds and heavier axle loads
- Built with advanced corrosion-resistant technology suited for harsh marine conditions
- Fully automated electro-mechanical lifting system
The project significantly enhances connectivity to Rameswaram, one of India’s most important pilgrimage and tourism destinations, improving passenger convenience, freight mobility, and regional economic development.
- National Significance of Pamban Bridge
- A milestone in India’s coastal railway infrastructure
- Strengthening of last-mile island connectivity
- Boost to tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu
- A testament to India’s growing capabilities in complex marine engineering
The bridge was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in 2025, marking a historic chapter in Indian Railways’ infrastructure development. RVNL’s Role RVNL executed the project with precision planning, advanced engineering solutions, and robust project management practices despite challenging marine and climatic conditions. The recognition at Build India 2026 reaffirms RVNL’s position as a leading infrastructure execution agency in the country and highlights its commitment to delivering high-impact, future-ready projects aligned with the Government of India’s infrastructure vision. STATEMENTOn receiving the award, Sh. Saleem Ahmad CMD of RVNL stated, “The Trailblazing Special Infrastructure Award for the Pamban Bridge is a proud moment for RVNL and Indian Railways. This project is not merely a bridge, but a symbol of engineering excellence, resilience, and national progress. We dedicate this recognition to our engineers, workers, and all stakeholders who contributed to this historic achievement.”
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