India's Bridges: Symbols of Progress and Engineering Excellence

Bridges as Symbols of India's Growth

New Delhi, Dec 20: As India advances, its bridges, including the Atal Setu and Chenab Bridge, epitomize the nation's dynamic progress and commitment to infrastructure development, according to an official announcement made on Saturday.

These structures are not merely functional; they represent India's aspirations, linking diverse regions characterized by vast differences. They emerge from mountainous terrains, soar through monsoon clouds, and traverse some of the most turbulent waters in the subcontinent.

“Across this expansive landscape, numerous bridges symbolize India's resolve and ambition. The Bogibeel Bridge and the New Saraighat Bridge in Assam span the mighty Brahmaputra, enhancing both road and rail connectivity. Likewise, the Digha–Sonpur Bridge in Bihar facilitates movement across the Ganga with its robust design for both rail and road,” the statement elaborated.

Stretching boldly across the Arabian Sea, the Atal Setu, also referred to as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), signifies Mumbai’s significant leap towards alleviating traffic congestion.

This impressive 16.5-kilometre sea bridge, extending an additional 5.5 kilometres on land, was approved with a budget of Rs. 17,843 crore, making it the longest sea bridge in India. Remarkably, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project remained on schedule.

India's engineering capabilities have reached new heights with the completion of the Chenab Bridge, recognized as the highest railway arch bridge globally.

Standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, this bridge is a vital part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). With the introduction of Vande Bharat trains on this route, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will be reduced to approximately three hours.

The 1,315-metre-long steel arch structure is designed to endure wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and boasts a lifespan of 120 years. Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, the Chenab Rail Bridge symbolizes India's ambition, technical prowess, and evolving infrastructure capabilities.

The newly built Pamban Bridge, linking Rameswaram to the mainland, is India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge. With a construction cost exceeding Rs. 700 crore, this 2.07 km structure features a 72.5-metre vertical lift section that can elevate 17 metres, allowing ships to pass without interrupting train services.

Utilizing innovative engineering and advanced technology, the project involved over 1,400 tons of fabrication, lift-span launches, 99 girders, and extensive track and electrification work at sea, all achieved without any injuries.

Constructed with stainless reinforcement, high-performance protective coatings, and fully welded joints, the bridge is designed for durability and reduced maintenance. It is also equipped for future expansion, with provisions for an additional railway line.