Palk Strait Bridge
Palk Strait bridge and tunnel | |
|---|---|
The bridge and tunnel is to be constructed across the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. | |
| Coordinates | 9°08′47″N 79°31′45″E / 9.1465°N 79.5293°E |
| Crosses | Palk Strait |
| Official name | India-Sri Lanka Binational Bridge and Tunnel |
| Owner | Government of India and Government of Sri Lanka |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 23 km (14 mi) |
| History | |
| Construction start | No details |
| Construction end | No details |
| Location | |
Interactive map of Palk Strait bridge and tunnel | |
The Palk Strait Bridge and Tunnel is a proposed 23-kilometre (14 mi) road and rail bridge and tunnel over the Palk Strait between Dhanushkodi in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar on Mannar Island off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The project was first formally introduced in 2002 during peace talks in Sri Lanka, the project has since undergone multiple feasibility assessments, including recent bilateral agreements in 2023–24 to evaluate its technical and economic viability. Despite support from sections of both governments and backing from the Asian Development Bank, the bridge has faced persistent opposition in Sri Lanka over concerns related to national sovereignty, immigration, and cultural integrity. As of 2025, the Sri Lankan government has maintained a cautious stance, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stating the country was not yet ready for a land connection with India.