The express train crossing Pamban railway bridge is also recognized by the name Boat Mail.The Boat Mail or Indo-Ceylon Express was a combined train and steamer ferry service between India and Ceylon. Connecting Chennai and Colombo, the system initially utilized a rail-to-sea operation, but changed to a rail-to-sea-to-rail operation. Passengers could buy a single ticket for the journey. The train's name commemorates the 19th century mail service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). It is one of the top most prestigious trains of Indian Railways and it has completed 100 years of service in 2014. As of now a new, better and taller railway bridge is coming up here in next few years. the construction work for the same has started and can be seen on the right side of the train.
