Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu publicly applauded Professor G. Madhavi Latha, calling her a “Telugu daughter” and one of the “brilliant minds” behind the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. He praised her for 17 years of dedicated service on this landmark project.
Contribution to Chenab Bridge
Professor Madhavi Latha, a rock engineering expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), played a key advisory role in the bridge’s construction. She guided slope stabilization and foundation strategies essential for the success of the arch-shaped structure.
Project Inauguration and Features
The Chenab Bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6. It rises 359 metres above the riverbed, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge spans 1,315 metres and features a 467-metre-long steel arch. It is built to endure wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and has a projected lifespan of 120 years.
Naidu Highlights Her Background
In a post on social media, Naidu noted that Madhavi Latha hails from a small village in Andhra Pradesh and praised her hard work and sacrifices. He called the project an architectural marvel and lauded the contributions of the entire team of engineers and workers involved.
Part of USBRL Project
The Chenab Bridge is a key part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-kilometre railway line designed to boost connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The total cost of constructing the bridge was ₹1,486 crore.
National Pride and Symbol of Progress
Naidu’s tribute framed Madhavi Latha’s work as a source of national pride and a symbol of the growing role of women in infrastructure development. Her contribution is being widely recognized as a critical factor in completing one of India’s most challenging engineering feats.
