Demand Grows for Direct Karnataka-Rameswaram Train Connectivity

Swift Summary

• Southern Railway conducted a statutory inspection of the electrified 52-km railway line between Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram, including the New Pamban Bridge, on September 13, 2025.
• The New Pamban Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, 2025, is a critical link connecting Mandapam on the mainland to Rameswaram island. It spans 2.07 km with innovative features like a vertical central lifting section.
• Despite infrastructure completion and approvals for new train services, Karnataka lacks direct rail connectivity to Rameswaram from cities like Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi.
• Trains such as Mangaluru Central-Rameswaram Bi-weekly Express (approved in March 2024) and others operating from Mysuru or Hubballi terminate at Ramanathapuram rather than extending to Rameswaram.
• Rail activist Yogendra Swamy criticized delays in implementing approved services despite functional infrastructure. Passengers must rely on connecting trains.
• Coastal Karnataka groups expressed disappointment over unmet promises of direct train services.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The operational readiness of the New Pamban Bridge represents a significant milestone for southern India’s rail infrastructure. However,the absence of direct train connectivity between Karnataka’s key cities and Rameswaram highlights gaps in service execution despite completed infrastructure projects.While logistical challenges might potentially be contributing factors for delayed implementation of approved routes (like Mangaluru-Rameswaram bi-weekly service), it underscores broader issues within coordination and prioritization mechanisms in Indian Railways.

The delay has implications not only for passenger convenience but also for enhancing tourism potential linked to religious sites like Rameswaram’s jyotirlinga Peetha. Ensuring timely alignment between approvals, announcements, and operational rollouts is essential if Indian Railways aims to improve its reliability perception among citizens while fully utilizing its upgraded networks such as this vital bridge.

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