The company has been asked to design a state-of-the-art/signature bridge, parallel to the existing Pamban bridge, the sources said, adding the DPR consultant was yet to commence the work. The NHAI was also yet to decide on the type of the new bridge, though the Modi government at the Centre was keen on building a world-class bridge. The Centre has awarded the new bridge while giving its nod for extending the four-laning road from Ramanathapuram to Rameswaram after agreeing to extend the Madurai – Paramakudi four-laning project up to Paramakudi, local MP A. Anwhar Raajha said. A DPR was being readied for 60-km long Ramanathapuram – Rameswaram section and steps were being taken to obtain Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, he said. When he requested Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways, to expand the existing bridge, the Minister told the MP, “why expansion, we will have a world-class new bridge,” said Mr Raajha.

Source: The Hindu August 19, 2017 12:45 UTC