The Pamban Lighthouse is one of the two lighthouses on the Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu.[1][2] It was first commissioned in 1846 with a 41-foot tower using coconut-oil wick lamps. Reconstructed in 1902 into a 66-foot cylindrical tower with a 4th-order optic, it served as a critical aid for ships navigating the Pamban Canal during British rule. It was modernized in 2019, the lighthouse now features a Sabik LED 160 HW flasher, solar-powered systems, and advanced technologies like DGPS, RACON, AIS base stations, and satellite-based distress signal response. Its upgraded systems provide 360° illumination and enhanced maritime safety, especially benefiting the fishing and coastal shipping communities in the Gulf of Mannar.
The Pamban Lighthouse was first commissioned on 21 April 1846, with a 41-foot brick-and-lime tower using coconut-oil wick lamps and parabolic reflectors. In 1860, the tower was raised and fitted with a 4th-order dioptric lens and later upgraded in 1902 with an occulting optic.[3] During this time, it was reconstructed into 66-foot cylindrical tower in 1902 to aid navigation through the Pamban Canal during British rule.[4] An acetylene gas flasher was installed in 1923, emitting three quick flashes every 9 seconds. It was handed over to the central government in 2004 from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board.[4] The lighthouse was modernized in 2019 with a Sabik LED 160 HW flasher emitting one white flash every 5 seconds.[3]
Structure
Pamban Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1845, comprising a cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern. It is located at 9°17.2' N latitude and 79°13.3' E longitude, occupying a land area of about 0.47 hectares, enclosed by a masonry compound wall. The lighthouse stands at 66 ft (20 m) tall, with a focal height of 95 ft (29 m) providing three white flashes every 9 seconds. The lighthouse features a 15 m high circular masonry tower painted in black and white horizontal bands. Its focal height is 29 m above mean sea level, offering a range of 15 nautical miles. The light system includes a 1.5 m lantern room, powered by mains electricity, solar panels (3 × 500 Wp), and a 15 kVA diesel generator. Emergency systems use 600 Ah Exide batteries. The site also includes RACON, DGPS, AIS base stations, and CCTV surveillance for navigational and operational efficiency.[3] It is located in the northwest point of the Pamban channel.[5]
The lighthouse is now equipped with a solar-powered, laser-like fixed beam that illuminates in all directions simultaneously, unlike rotating beams of traditional lighthouses. It can receive and transmit messages via satellites and can broadcast messages to GPS-equipped ships and vehicles. It has a distress signal response capability, guiding vessels during rough sea conditions. The lighthouse was highly useful for the fishing community, improving navigation and safety.[6]
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