Indian Union minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan revealed that the Centre is considering a proposal to establish a rail bridge linking Rameswaram (a coastal pilgrim centre in TN) and Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka, the Deccan Chronicle news agency reported. If the project materialises, the two countries would be linked.

A short boat ride used to connect the railway lines that ended at Talaimannar in Sri Lanka (Talaimannar) and Dhanushkodi in India, which was in operation till 1966. During his visit to the city on Sunday, the Union Minister told reporters during an informal chat that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government is considering a proposal to establish a bridge to connect the two countries.

Asked about the fate of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, Mr Radhakrishnan said the project was not shelved. “The matter is sub judice… a decision on the project would be taken based on the outcome of the court ruling,” he said.

Mullaiperiyar dam should be protected: union minister

On the state government expressing concern over the security to the century-old Mullaiperiyar dam, citing an intelligence bureau report in its petition to the Supreme Court about the imminent threat from terrorists, Mr Radhakrishnan said, the dam deserved to be protected at all cost.

The threat may come from anywhere. One should not aim to seek political mileage on this issue. And at the same time it should not be forgotten that LTTE was responsible for the assassination of ex-Prime Minister in Tamil Nadu,” he said.