It was a conventional bridge resting on concrete piers with a double-leaf bascule section midway, which could be raised to let ships and barges pass through.

In December 2022, rail transportation on the bridge was suspended permanently as the bascule section had weakened significantly due to corrosion.

Plans for a bridge to connect to mainland was suggested in 1870 as the British Administration sought ways to increase trade with Ceylon.

[1][5] In 2009, further strengthening work was carried out on the bridge under the supervision of E. Sreedharan to enable it to withstand heavier freight trains.

[15] The Pamban railway bridge spans a 2.06 km (1.28 mi) wide strait between the Indian mainland and Rameswaram Island.

[16] The bridge consists of 143 piers and has a double-leaf bascule section with a Scherzer rolling type lift span that can be raised to let ships pass.