KKN Gurugram Desk | The Chenab Rail Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess. Soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, this architectural marvel surpasses the Eiffel Tower in height and is a pivotal component of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project. Among the dedicated professionals behind this monumental achievement is Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, whose unwavering commitment over 17 years was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Hailing from Yedugundlapadu, a modest village in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Madhavi Latha was the first engineer from her community. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, financial constraints led her to pursue engineering, a field more accessible through government institutions. She earned her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada, followed by an M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, where she was awarded a gold medal for her academic excellence. Her academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, in 2000. In 2003, she joined IISc, Bengaluru, where she has been a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering and currently chairs the Centre for Sustainable Technologies.

Pioneering Role in the Chenab Bridge Project

In 2005, Dr. Latha was brought on board as a geotechnical consultant for the Chenab Bridge project by Northern Railways, in collaboration with the construction firm Afcons Infrastructure. Her expertise in rock engineering and geotechnical analysis was crucial in addressing the formidable challenges posed by the bridge’s location in the seismically active and geologically complex Lower Himalayan region.

Dr. Latha’s responsibilities encompassed analyzing slope stability, designing and constructing the bridge’s foundations, and developing slope stabilization systems, including the implementation of rock anchors. Her innovative approach involved a “design-as-you-go” methodology, allowing for real-time adaptations to the unpredictable geological conditions encountered during construction, such as fractured rocks and hidden cavities. This approach ensured the bridge’s structural integrity and longevity in the face of environmental hazards.

The Engineering Marvel: Chenab Rail Bridge

The Chenab Rail Bridge is a deck arch bridge constructed using steel and concrete, with a total length of 1,315 meters and a main arch span of 467 meters. Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and seismic activities up to magnitude 8, the bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 120 years. Its construction required approximately 28,660 tonnes of steel and 66,000 cubic meters of concrete. The bridge’s completion not only enhances connectivity in the Kashmir Valley but also serves strategic and economic purposes by facilitating the rapid movement of military personnel and goods.

Recognition and Legacy

Dr. Latha’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher award from the Indian Geotechnical Society. The following year, she was named among the Top 75 Women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in India. Her recent publication, “Design as You Go: The Case Study of Chenab Railway Bridge,” in the Indian Geotechnical Journal, provides an in-depth analysis of the adaptive design strategies employed during the bridge’s construction.

Dr. G. Madhavi Latha’s 17-year dedication to the Chenab Rail Bridge project exemplifies the critical role of scientific expertise and perseverance in overcoming engineering challenges. Her work not only contributed to the successful completion of the world’s tallest railway bridge but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, particularly women, highlighting the impact of determination and innovation in the field of civil engineering.