Meet G Madhavi Latha: The Visionary Behind the World's Tallest Railway Bridge

The Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 8. This monumental project, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link, was significantly influenced by Professor G Madhavi Latha, a geotechnical consultant who dedicated 17 years to its construction. Her innovative 'design-as-you-go' approach helped overcome the unique challenges posed by the bridge's complex topography. Dr. Latha's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 75 Women in STEAM in India. The bridge, costing Rs 1,486 crore, is set to enhance connectivity in the Kashmir valley.
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Meet G Madhavi Latha: The Visionary Behind the World's Tallest Railway Bridge

Introduction to the Chenab Bridge

The Chenab Bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the title of the tallest railway bridge globally. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 8. This bridge is a crucial part of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a project that has been in the works since its approval in 2003.


Professor G Madhavi Latha's Contribution

Professor G Madhavi Latha played a pivotal role in the successful construction of the Chenab Bridge. As a geotechnical consultant from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, she dedicated 17 years to this project. Her collaboration with the contractor, Afcons, involved extensive planning, design, and construction efforts, particularly in overcoming the geographical challenges presented by the site.


Recognition of Achievements


Background of G Madhavi Latha

Currently a HAG professor at IISc, Dr. Latha completed her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 1992, graduating with first-class honors. She earned a gold medal during her M.Tech at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, specializing in Geotechnical Engineering, and completed her PhD at IIT-Madras in 2000.


Throughout her career, she has garnered numerous accolades, including the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher award from the Indian Geotechnical Society in 2021 and recognition as one of the Top 75 Women in STEAM in India in 2022.


Challenges in the Chenab Bridge Project

The construction of the Chenab Bridge was fraught with challenges due to its complex topography and climatic conditions. To tackle these issues, Dr. Latha and her team adopted a 'design-as-you-go' strategy, allowing them to innovate in real-time based on the geological conditions they encountered, such as cracked rocks and voids.


This adaptive approach involved making intricate calculations and design modifications to respond effectively to the actual rock mass conditions during construction. Dr. Latha's expertise was instrumental in making critical decisions regarding the design and placement of rock anchors to enhance stability.


Recent Contributions

Recently, Dr. Latha published a paper in the Indian Geotechnical Journal, focusing on the evolving design of the Chenab Bridge. The paper, featured in a special issue dedicated to women, discussed how the bridge's design adapted to the geological conditions while maintaining the structure's core elements.


Overview of the Chenab Bridge

Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, the Chenab Bridge is regarded as one of the most significant civil engineering challenges for railway projects in India in recent years. Standing at 359 meters, it surpasses the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the Kashmir valley.


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