Rameshwaram–Dhanushkodi new rail line foundation stone laid by PM Modi in 2019 – why railways yet to start the project

The proposed Rameshwaram–Dhanushkodi new rail line project, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2019, represents a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at restoring a vital link and boosting regional development in Tamil Nadu. The delay in its commencement, despite the initial fanfare, brings to light common challenges in large-scale infrastructure execution in India. To truly grasp its significance, one must delve into the historical context and the multifaceted implications for the nation.

Dhanushkodi, located at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, holds immense historical and mythological significance. It is believed to be the starting point of the 'Ram Setu' (Adam's Bridge) built by Lord Rama's Vanara Sena to reach Lanka, making it a sacred pilgrimage site. Until 1964, Dhanushkodi was a bustling town and a crucial rail-cum-sea link, connecting India to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) via a ferry service. A metre-gauge railway line from Mandapam to Dhanushkodi facilitated the movement of passengers and goods, playing a pivotal role in trade and pilgrimage. However, this vibrant hub was tragically wiped out by the devastating 1964 Rameswaram cyclone, which submerged the town and destroyed the railway line, rendering Dhanushkodi a 'ghost town' and severing its land connectivity.

The vision to revive this crucial link gained momentum over the decades, culminating in Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation stone for the 17.2-km new broad-gauge rail line project in March 2019. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 208 crore at the time, aimed to connect Rameshwaram (a major pilgrimage centre) to Dhanushkodi, including a railway bridge over the sea. The objectives were clear: enhance connectivity, promote tourism (especially pilgrimage tourism), stimulate the local economy, and re-establish a historical link. However, four years later, the project has yet to see significant on-ground progress, raising questions about planning, execution, and inter-agency coordination.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this project. The primary implementing agency is the **Ministry of Railways** through its zonal arm, **Southern Railway**, which is responsible for planning, funding, technical execution, and eventual operation. The **Tamil Nadu State Government** plays a critical role in facilitating land acquisition, providing necessary local clearances, and ensuring law and order. Local communities, including fishermen and residents of Pamban Island, are also significant stakeholders, as their livelihoods and land may be affected, and they stand to be major beneficiaries of improved connectivity and economic opportunities. Pilgrims and tourists, both domestic and international, are the ultimate beneficiaries, gaining easier access to a historically and religiously important site.

This project's significance for India is multi-faceted. Economically, it promises a substantial boost to **tourism** in the region, attracting more pilgrims to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, thereby creating employment opportunities and stimulating local businesses. It represents a significant step in **infrastructure development**, bridging a long-standing connectivity gap. From a social perspective, it restores access to a site of profound **cultural and religious heritage**. The delay in its commencement, however, underscores broader challenges in **governance and project implementation** in India, including issues related to land acquisition, environmental clearances, funding allocation, and bureaucratic hurdles. Such delays not only inflate costs but also erode public trust and defer the intended socio-economic benefits.

From a constitutional and policy perspective, the **Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution** places 'Railways' under the **Union List (Entry 22)**, giving the Central Government exclusive legislative competence. Therefore, the Ministry of Railways has the primary mandate. However, the project's execution involves extensive interaction with state subjects like 'Land' (State List, Entry 18) and 'Public health and sanitation' (State List, Entry 6), necessitating close coordination with the Tamil Nadu government, particularly for **land acquisition**. The **Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act)** would govern any land acquisition process. Furthermore, given Dhanushkodi's coastal location and ecological sensitivity, environmental clearances under the **Environmental Protection Act, 1986**, and adherence to **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms** issued under the same act, would be paramount. The delay could potentially stem from complexities in obtaining these critical clearances or challenges in land acquisition.

Looking ahead, the successful completion of the Rameshwaram–Dhanushkodi rail line would not only be a testament to India's engineering prowess but also a powerful symbol of restoring historical links and fostering regional development. It would significantly enhance the accessibility of the 'Pilgrim Island' and potentially open doors for future tourism circuits. However, the current delay highlights the need for streamlined project management, proactive resolution of inter-departmental and inter-governmental issues, and robust environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainable development. The project's progress will be a crucial indicator of India's capacity to execute large-scale, sensitive infrastructure projects efficiently and transparently, impacting the lives of thousands and preserving a unique cultural legacy.