Cantilever Pamban Bridge completed 100 years

First cantilever bridge of India, Pamban Railway Bridge, completed its 100 years. On this occasion former President of India A. P. J Abdul Kalam inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Pamban Bridge. The centenary celebrations will take place from 27 January 2014 to 29 Janaury 2014.
 
To mark the occasion, Abdul Kalam unveiled the centenary plaque of the Pamban Bridge. He also released the book titled Marvels of South Indian Railway.

The 65.23-metre-long rolling central lift span was given a fresh coat of paint and decorated with light. The central lift span was named after Scherzer, German engineer who designed and built the span. It opens up like a pair of scissors to allow vessels to pass through under the bridge.

The 2.06 km long Pamban Railway Bridge connects the pilgrim-island of Rameswaram with Tamil Nadu. The bridge was officially opened for the train traffic on 24 February 1914.

The bridge was put to test for the first time in December 1964, when a severe cyclonic storm hit this part of the area.

About Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is built using cantilevers, structures that project horizontally into space, supported on only one end.

Heinrich Gerber was one of the engineers to obtain a patent for a hinged girder in 1866 and is recognized as the first to build one.

The Hassfurt Bridge over the Main River in Germany with a central span of 124 feet (38 meters) was completed in 1867 and is recognized as the first modern cantilever bridge.