PM Modi inaugurates new Pamban Bridge, urges Tamil Nadu to promote Tamil in medical education

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed vertical lift Pamban railway sea bridge in Rameswaram on Sunday. Replacing the historic 110-year-old bridge, the new structure is being hailed as India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge and a significant feat of engineering.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized the Centre’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development and heritage, even as he subtly criticized the ruling DMK. “Despite increased fund allocations to Tamil Nadu, some still cry foul over the finances,” he remarked, hinting at political differences without directly naming anyone.

Modi called on the State government to impart medical education in Tamil, underlining the importance of making education accessible in the mother tongue—especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “You send me letters, but don’t even sign them in Tamil. At least sign your names in your own language,” he said, advocating for the wider use and promotion of Tamil.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the government is actively working to take Tamil language and culture to global platforms.

The newly inaugurated bridge is expected to significantly ease transportation between Rameswaram and the mainland, while boosting tourism and regional development. The vertical lift feature will allow ships to pass beneath, improving both rail and maritime connectivity.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called the bridge a “vital link” and several senior BJP leaders hailed it as a “marvelous engineering monument.” Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore raised concerns about potential safety flaws in the new structure.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai accused the DMK of putting politics before development, while AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan criticized the BJP for ignoring alleged corruption in the distribution of benefits under Central schemes, claiming that many beneficiaries listed under the DMK administration were fake.

PM Modi flew into Madurai earlier in the day by helicopter and returned to Delhi later in the evening. He was seen off by State IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and other local dignitaries.