The transport ministry has drawn an ambitious plan to build a bridge connecting India directly with Sri Lanka, Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said, elaborating that the bridge will connect Dhanushkodi, the eastern tip of Rameswaram island with Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government is expected to give its nod for the project, which once executed will materialize the dream of the masses across two countries as the extension of a four-lane highway from Paramakudi to Rameswaram would be automatically implemented. After commissioning of the project, the arid and backward district, which earned the dubious distinction of Thanni illa kaadu (waterless jungle) as choicest destination for punishment postings would turn into one of the wealthiest districts in the country, he said.
