Professor Gali Madhavi Latha, a geotechnical expert from IISc Bangalore, played a pivotal role in constructing the world’s tallest Chenab Railway Bridge
India’s infrastructure landscape has witnessed a historic transformation with the completion of the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s tallest railway arch bridge. This engineering marvel, standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, is a testament to India’s technological prowess and resilience. At the heart of this ambitious project is Professor Gali Madhavi Latha, a civil engineering expert from IISc Bangalore, who dedicated 17 years to making this dream a reality.
Table of Contents
The Vision Behind the Chenab Railway Bridge
The Chenab Railway Bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. The bridge, which is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, was built to withstand seismic activity, extreme weather conditions, and high wind speeds.
Professor Gali Madhavi Latha, a rock engineering specialist, played a pivotal role in designing the foundation and stabilizing the slopes of the bridge. Her expertise ensured that the structure could endure the harsh terrain and unpredictable geological challenges.
Engineering Challenges and Innovations
The construction of the Chenab Railway Bridge was fraught with challenges. The steep slopes, fractured rock formations, hidden cavities, and extreme climatic conditions posed significant obstacles. Professor Latha and her team adopted a “design-as-you-go” approach, allowing them to modify strategies in real time to address unforeseen geological complexities.
One of the most critical innovations was the strategic placement of rock anchors, which enhanced the structural stability of the bridge. These anchors, spanning 66,683 meters, were meticulously designed to counteract uplift forces and lateral loads, ensuring the bridge’s long-term durability.
Professor Gali Madhavi Latha: A Legacy in Engineering
Professor Gali Madhavi Latha is a Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. She holds a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from IIT Madras and has received numerous accolades, including the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher Award by the Indian Geotechnical Society.
Her contributions to rock mechanics, slope stabilization, and geotechnical engineering have been instrumental in shaping India’s infrastructure projects. The Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a monument to her expertise and dedication.
Conclusion
The Chenab Railway Bridge is more than just an engineering marvel, it is a symbol of India’s rise in global infrastructure development. Professor Gali Madhavi Latha’s unwavering commitment and 17 years of expertise have played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. As India continues to push the boundaries of engineering, her contributions will remain an inspiration for future generations.
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