The new Pamban Rail Bridge, which connects the Mandapam mainland with Pamban in Rameswaram island across the Palk Strait, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. WRI’s involvement has been integral to the bridge’s construction, particularly in the welding processes that were critical to interlocking and connecting massive iron rods and bars that make up the structure.
The working conditions at the site were challenging, with the engineers, technicians, and welders facing various hurdles while executing the task. However, when Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) proposed the project five years ago, WRI enthusiastically accepted the challenge and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with RVNL to contribute their expertise.
Established in 1975 on the premises of BHEL in Tiruchi, WRI pooled its resources, both in terms of personnel and equipment, to execute this crucial task. The institute provided specialized training to personnel engaged in the work and sent a highly skilled team of specialists to the Pamban site. The team worked alongside other workers from diverse engineering backgrounds, ensuring smooth collaboration throughout the construction process.
As a consultant, WRI played a significant role in establishing welding procedures in line with project requirements. Their involvement included reviewing sequential welding, evaluating welding consumables used, and periodically witnessing welding activities. The bridge now stands as an engineering marvel, a testament to the capabilities of Indian Railways and the contribution of WRI.
A senior official from BHEL expressed pride in being part of such a monumental project, stating, “We feel proud to be part of building the new Pamban Bridge. In WRI’s journey of five decades of nation building, we see the Pamban Bridge work as yet another important milestone.”
In addition to its welding consultancy, WRI’s role extended to the implementation and witnessing of non-destructive testing (NDT) procedures. WRI’s experts reviewed and validated NDT procedures and reports, ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge. Their team conducted various testing techniques, including penetrant testing, computed radiographic testing, and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), the latter being a relatively new technology in the industry.
“It is heartening to see our contribution in the vertical lift sea bridge, one of the very few facilities in the world. Meticulous planning, execution and frequent visits of WRI inspectors to the fabrication yard and site through close association with the construction team, ensured the quality of the joints to the desired standards. We salute all those involved in the team work,” the official added.
WRI had also provided similar services for the Bogibeel Bridge, India’s longest combined rail and road bridge, spanning 4.94 kilometers across the Brahmaputra river in Assam, including the training of welding engineers and supervisors and the qualification of welders in accordance with international standards.
The successful completion of the Pamban Rail Bridge project further cements WRI’s contribution to the nation’s infrastructure and their ongoing commitment to excellence in welding and non-destructive testing.
