India's first vertical lift bridge

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge on April 6.

• The new Pamban Rail Bridge is India's first vertical lift bridge.

• The 2.5 kilometre long Pamban Bridge will help trains cross the sea between mainland India and Rameswaram Island in less than 5 minutes. Currently, it takes 25-30 minutes on the existing structure.

• The new bridge will replace the colonial-era bridge, which was built in 1914.

• The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 535 crore in collaboration with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

• The new bridge will be operated by an electromechanical system to enable maritime traffic.