RAMESHWARAM
- Latitude: 9.28287 •
- Longitude: 79.3161 •
- East Coast India •
- Port in India
Address: Rameswaram Tamil Nadu 623526 India
Phone number: +91-4573-221223
Rameswaram is a coastal town situated on Pamban Island, separated from mainland India by the Pamban Channel. It is part of the Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. The town is primarily known for its religious significance due to the presence of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the Char Dhams of India.
Though Rameswaram itself is not particularly prominent as a major commercial marine port compared to other Indian ports like Chennai or Mumbai, it does have a functional fishing harbor and ferry services that cater to local and regional transportation and commerce needs.
Description and Specifications:
Geography and Access
- Location: Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Coordinates: Approximately 9.2886° N latitude, 79.3129° E longitude.
- Nearest Major Ports: Tuticorin Port (~140 km to the southwest).
Facilities
- Fishing Harbor: There is a dedicated fishing harbor in Rameswaram that supports local fishermen. This harbor is essential for the local economy, focusing on fishing and related activities.
- Ferry Services: Traditionally, there have been ferry services to nearby islands, and in the past, there were services to Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar. However, ferry services have been subject to geopolitical conditions and are not always operational.
Infrastructure
- Docks and Jetties: The harbor has basic docking facilities primarily suitable for smaller vessels and fishing boats.
- Storage: Limited storage facilities focused on perishable goods like fish.
Connectivity
- Road: Well-connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge, which includes both vehicular and rail components.
- Rail: The Rameswaram railway station is a critical terminal on the Indian Railway network, connecting to major cities.
- Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, around 170 km away, providing domestic connectivity.
Services
- Customs and Documentation: Basic customs services for the fishing harbor, with limited capacity for handling large-scale commercial shipping.
- Fuel and Supplies: Availability of marine fuel and basic supplies for fishing vessels.
Economic Activities
- Fishing: The primary economic activity, with significant local and regional markets for fishery products.
- Tourism: A secondary yet crucial industry due to the town's religious significance and historical landmarks.
Environmental and Regulatory
- Marine Environment: The waters around Rameswaram are relatively shallow, with coral reefs and a varied marine ecosystem.
- Regulatory Bodies: Governed by local municipal authorities and the Tamil Nadu State Government, with oversight by various environmental and maritime regulatory bodies.
Key Points
- Not a Major Commercial Port: Rameswaram's port facilities focus on local fishing and small-scale maritime activities, rather than large-scale commercial shipping.
- Strategic Location: Historically significant for maritime routes, but contemporary usage is modest.
- Fishing Hub: The fishing harbor is central to the town's economic activities, providing livelihoods to many local residents.
- Tourism and Pilgrimage: The town's infrastructure serves a dual purpose of supporting both local business and the inflow of tourists and pilgrims.
While Rameswaram is not a significant commercial port, its importance lies in its cultural, historical, and local economic contributions, primarily revolving around fishing and tourism.