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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
'Dr. G. Madhavi Latha Garu is my #MondayMotivation': Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation is Madhavi Latha
Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation post Industrialist Anand Mahindra 's widely followed #MondayMotivation posts usually highlight excellence across diverse fields. But this time, he chose to shine a light on a woman whose dedication spanned nearly two decades and contributed to one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. A skilled geotechnical engineer and Professor at IISc Bengaluru, she was instrumental in the completion of the Chenab Railway Bridge; a promise she kept for more than 17 years," Mahindra posted, talking about Dr. G. Madhavi Latha . He ended with his now-infamous line: "Dr. G. Madhavi Latha Garu is my #MondayMotivation." Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation Meet G Madhavi Latha, IISc professor, worked on Chenab Bridge project As India marked the opening of the Chenab Railway Bridge on June 6, the world's tallest railway bridge at 359 metres above riverbed height with the limelight irresistibly turned to the imposing structure. 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, the bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) and cost Rs 1,486 crore to build, as per the reports. But beneath the shiny steel and concrete stands a story of scientific excellence, particularly from the men and women who toiled quietly in the background. Among them, Dr. Latha's work in geotechnical engineering was invaluable to the project's success. Chenab Bridge construction: Dr. Latha's vital role in ensuring stability The Chenab Bridge was one of the most challenging in Indian railway history. Building infrastructure in the rugged Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, with seismicity, unstable slopes, and harsh climate, needed more than engineering prowess, but also resilience and ingenuity. For 17 years, as a consultant, Dr. Latha gave valuable inputs on: Structural stability Slope safety Placement and reinforcement of rock anchors These choices had a direct influence on the safety and longevity of the bridge in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Dr. Latha's academic journey: From rural Andhra Pradesh to IISc Bengaluru expert Dr. Latha's inspirational journey started in a village in Andhra Pradesh. She acquired her in Civil Engineering from JNTU in 1992, proceeded with an in Geotechnical Engineering from NIT Warangal, where she stood first in her class. Her academic journey continued with a PhD from IIT Madras in 2000. She is currently a well-known professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and a renowned expert in her field. She also wrote a scholarly article describing the intricate geotechnical challenges of the Chenab Bridge, presented in the Indian Geotechnical Journal. Dr. Latha's awards and recognitions Dr. Latha's outstanding work has won her numerous awards: Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher Award (2021) Featured among India's Top 75 Women in STEAM (2022) Her achievements were also welcomed by political leaders. Chandrababu Naidu, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, welcomed her with praise, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Another Telugu daughter has made India proud." Chenab bridge site access overcoming Himalayan challenges to begin construction Access to the site itself was a gargantuan task before construction work started on the Chenab Bridge. Engineers and laborers used mules and horses to cross the rugged Himalayas initially. Only after laying down temporary tracks and subsequently constructing 11 km and 12 km of permanent access roads on both riverbanks was equipment transport possible. This feat of logistics paved the way for the building of one of the world's most famous bridges. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Chenab Bridge, striding across its characteristic steel arch waving the national flag, it was not only an engineering achievement. The bridge symbolises a connection between Kashmir and the rest of India—a dream realised by hardworking contributors such as Dr. Latha. For Anand Mahindra, this moment was a reminder of the intellectual strength, determination, and nationalism that lie behind India's greatest successes. Also read | Genshin Impact Codes | Fruit Battlegrounds Codes | Blox Fruits Codes | Peroxide Codes AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
11 hours ago
- India Today
Stability, resistance, long-lasting: The incredible engineering behind Chenab bridge
The Chenab Bridge, now standing as the world's highest railway arch bridge in Jammu & Kashmir, is a marvel of India's engineering prowess and 359 metres above the Chenab River and spanning a breathtaking 1,315 metres, the bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower and connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by construction has been hailed as one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects, overcoming formidable geological, logistical, and technical challenges. According to a press statement issued by the railway ministry, flight pilots are making special announcements and passengers are showing eagerness to capture photographs of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway-arch bridge. ( PTI Photo) advertisementEngineering and Design Innovations The bridge's design is a unique steel arch, the first of its kind in India. With no existing national codes for such structures, engineers relied on international best practices, notably the British Standard BS: team led by Professor Madhavi Latha worked on the main arch that spans 469 metres, supported by two massive 130-metre-high pylons, and features 17 spans in structure is built to withstand extreme conditions: wind speeds up to 260 km/h, seismic activity up to magnitude 8, and temperatures as low as -20C. To ensure resilience, the bridge uses 63mm-thick blast-proof steel and concrete pillars designed to resist explosions and terrorist threats. Construction Challenges and SolutionsConstructing in the rugged Himalayan terrain posed unprecedented challenges. Access was so difficult that initial transport of materials relied on mules and time, temporary roads—11 km on the north bank and 12 km on the south—were built to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and construction equipment. The project required 25,000 tonnes of steel, 4,000 tonnes of reinforced steel, and 46,000 cubic metres of of the most critical aspects was ensuring the stability of the steep slopes. Prof. G Madhavi Latha from IISc Bengaluru played a pivotal role, advising on slope stability and foundation design, adapting to the unpredictable Himalayan geology with a 'design-as-you-go' approach. A newly-inaugurated Vande Bharat Express train crosses the Chenab Bridge, in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (PTI Photo) Technological and Safety FeaturesThe bridge's construction used the world's tallest crossbar cable cranes and specialized heavy techniques were employed for the arch erection, with both banks gradually building towards the centre until the arch was joined at the crown in April 2021—a moment of triumph for the protect against corrosion, a special paint with a 15-year lifespan was applied, far exceeding the standard for Indian railway bridges. An advanced online monitoring and warning system ensures passenger safety, and aerial security measures are in place to safeguard the a projected lifespan of 120 years, the Chenab bridge stands as a symbol of India's resolve to conquer its most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage. The project's success is a tribute to the collaboration of Indian and international experts, and a beacon of progress for the nation's infrastructure InMust Watch
