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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Engineering Marvel in Jammu & Kashmir
The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, marking a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure development. Standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, this engineering marvel is a testament to India’s technological prowess and resilience. Among the key contributors to this project is Professor Madhavi Latha and her team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, whose expertise in slope stability, foundation design, and hazard-resistant construction played a pivotal role in its success.
We are proud of Prof Madhavi Latha & her team’s contribution to the #ChenabBridge inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi🎉
The team worked on stability of slopes, design & construction of foundations, design of slope stabilisation systems incl. rock anchors to withstand hazards. pic.twitter.com/BApCSJTRZX— IISc Bangalore (@iiscbangalore) June 6, 2025
Chenab Bridge: A Feat of Engineering Excellence
Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, the 1,315-meter-long Chenab Bridge is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds (up to 260 kmph) and seismic activity. The bridge ensures all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just three hours.
School children soak in the breathtaking hillscapes and a trail of fluttering Tirangas aboard the inaugural run of the #VandeBharatExpress from Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.#ChenabBridge #Train2Kashmir pic.twitter.com/OwiT2fmu4T
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 6, 2025
Key Contributions of Prof. Madhavi Latha & Team
Prof. Madhavi Latha, a rock engineering specialist, was instrumental in ensuring the structural stability of the bridge. Her team worked on:
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Slope Stability Analysis – The bridge is located in the Lower Himalayan region, known for its tectonic activity and fragile geology. Prof. Latha’s team assessed rock slopes and soil conditions to prevent landslides.
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Foundation Design & Construction – Given the loose soil and steep terrain, her team designed robust foundation systems to support the massive steel arch.
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Slope Stabilization Systems – The use of rock anchors, bolts, and retaining walls ensured long-term safety against natural hazards.
Her work was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the fast-flowing Chenab River and the highly fractured rock formations in the region.
Congratulations to Prof. Madhavi Latha of @iiscbangalore for your remarkable contribution to the #ChenabBridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge, inaugurated today by PM Shri @NarendraModi.
Your role in this engineering marvel inspires young minds, especially women in… pic.twitter.com/ONfQqpuDwE
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 6, 2025
Inspiration for Women in STEM
Prof. Madhavi Latha & Team’s Remarkable Contribution to the World’s Highest Railway Bridge – Chenab Bridge
Prof. Madhavi Latha’s journey is as inspiring as her contributions. Hailing from Yedugundlapadu, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, she was the first engineer from her family. After completing her BTech from JNTU, MTech from NIT Warangal, and PhD from IIT Madras, she joined IISc Bangalore, where she now leads research in geotechnical engineering.
Her role in the Chenab Bridge project has set an example for women in STEM, proving that dedication and expertise can break barriers in nation-building projects.
PM Modi’s Vision: Connectivity & Development in J&K
During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized that the Chenab Bridge is not just infrastructure but a symbol of India’s strength. He also highlighted how terror attacks like the Pahalgam incident aim to disrupt tourism and livelihoods in J&K, but projects like these reinforce resilience and progress.
Alongside the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi inaugurated:
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Anji Khad Bridge – India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
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Two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar.
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Development projects worth ₹46,000 crore, boosting tourism and healthcare in the region.
ये है मोदी की गारंटी 🪷#ChenabBridge pic.twitter.com/Og43nzffyB
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 6, 2025
Conclusion: A New Era for Jammu & Kashmir
The Chenab Bridge is more than an engineering achievement—it’s a gateway to economic growth, tourism, and national integration. The contributions of Prof. Madhavi Latha and her team have been vital in turning this vision into reality.
As India celebrates this milestone, the bridge stands as a beacon of innovation, perseverance, and women’s leadership in STEM.
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