PM Modi to Visit Rameswaram Temple and Inaugurate Pamban Bridge Amid AIADMK Alliance Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu on April 6, coinciding with the Ram Navami celebrations, to pay tribute at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram and inaugurate the new Pamban Bridge. His visit comes amidst growing speculation about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finalizing a coalition with the Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The visit, which blends pilgrimage and infrastructure development, follows a series of high-profile meetings between AIADMK chief E. Palaniswami and BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda. This has sparked discussions about the possibility of a renewed alliance between the AIADMK and BJP, which had previously fractured before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Key issues, including tensions between Palaniswami and Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai, are expected to be resolved before formalizing any coalition.

The timing of Modi's visit to the Ramanathaswamy temple is particularly significant. The temple is associated with the Ramayana, and its Shiva linga is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama. Modi's previous visit to the temple in January 2024, just before the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, was deeply emotional for the Prime Minister, who described it as an unforgettable experience.

On the infrastructure front, Modi will also inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. This new bridge will connect Rameswaram, a sacred island, to the mainland. The previous Pamban Bridge, which had suffered erosion and was unable to meet modern transportation needs, is being replaced by the new structure, which spans 2.08 kilometers and features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span to allow ships to pass beneath.

The New Pamban Bridge is designed for long-term durability, with enhanced clearance for larger vessels and a lifespan of up to 58 years, marking a significant step in both heritage preservation and modern infrastructure development.