Latest news with #MadhaviLatha
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘I am just one of thousands who deserve appreciation'
ONGOLE: The Chenab Arch Railway Bridge is one of the world's most impressive and highest single-arch railway bridges, constructed over the Chenab River, connecting two hills in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bridge was built at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore and links Jammu with Srinagar. Standing tall at 359 metres above the riverbed, the 1,315-metre-long bridge surpasses the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres and has an expected lifespan of 120 years. Built to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and seismic activity, this single-arch railway bridge is a testament to Indian engineering expertise. A Telugu woman, Gali Madhavi Latha, played a key role in its construction. A professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, she hails from a small village, Yedugundlapadu, in the SN Padu Assembly segment of Prakasam district. After the bridge's inauguration by PM Modi, its technical excellence and global recognition highlighted Madhavi Latha's 17 years of sincere and dedicated work, alongside numerous technical experts and field workers. Born into a middle-class agricultural family, Madhavi Latha lost her father, Gali Venka Reddy—a tobacco buyer—at a young age. Her mother, Annapurnamma, supported her education. Today, Annapurnamma resides with Madhavi's brother, Harinath Reddy, in their native village. Madhavi Latha completed her schooling in Telugu medium and Intermediate education in government institutions in Kandukur and Ongole. She earned her engineering degree from JNTU-Kakinada, her MTech from NIT Warangal, and her PhD from IIT Madras. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in rock mechanics at IISc Bengaluru.
Mint
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Please don't make me famous': Chenab Rail Bridge engineer Madhavi Latha says thousands deserve appreciation
Civil engineer Prof. G. Madhavi Latha, who played a key role in the design and construction of Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, has since received widespread praise. Following the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many people have contacted her, expressing their admiration and hope that their daughters can follow in her footsteps. But Latha insisted that thousands deserve appreciation for the Chenab bridge and said that her role as a geotechnical consultant to AFCONS was to help develop slope stabilisation schemes and design foundations on slopes. In a post on LinkedIn, Madhavi Latha wrote: 'Hearty Congratulations to India on the inauguration of Chenab Railway bridge by the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The bridge is a Civil Engineering marvel. All glory of the planning, design and construction goes to Indian Railways and AFCONS.' 'Thousands of people have significantly contributed in different ways to the construction of this iconic bridge. There are millions of unsung heroes to whom I salute today,' she added. Madhavi Latha further said: 'My role as a geotechnical consultant to AFCONS was to help in developing slope stabilization schemes and design of foundations on slope. All other media statements like "woman behind the mission", "made impossible possible" and "done miracles to build the bridge" are baseless. Many fathers have written to me saying that they want their daughters to become like me. Many young kids have written to me that they now want to take up Civil Engineering as their career choice. I am extremely happy about this. Thanks to all Indians who have poured congratulatory messages to me. Please remember that I am one of the thousands who deserve appreciation for the Chenab bridge.' 'Please don't make me unnecessarily famous. I am right now in Spain, attending a conference. I request all of you to respect my privacy. All glory belings to Indian Railways,' she added. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has congratulated Madhavi Latha for the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river. CM Naidu lauded the engineer for her 17 years of dedication and sacrifice in building the bridge. In a post on X, Chandrababu Naidu wrote: 'Another Telugu daughter has made India proud! I salute Professor G. Madhavi Latha Garu, one of the brilliant minds behind the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji on June 6. Hailing from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, she dedicated 17 years of hard work and sacrifice to build this architectural marvel for the nation.'
India Today
09-06-2025
- 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
India.com
08-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
Meet Woman Who Played Important Role In Construction Of Chenab Bridge - IISc Professor, She Is...
photoDetails english Updated:Jun 08, 2025, 12:19 PM IST Chenab Bridge 1 / 13 The World's Highest Railway Bridge spans the Chenab River at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) above the river, which is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. (Credit: ANI) Inauguration By PM Modi 2 / 13 PM Modi on Friday (June 6) inaugurated the Chenab Bridge. (Credit: ANI) The Woman Behind The Bridge 3 / 13 In a post on X, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, wrote, "We are proud of Prof Madhavi Latha & her team's contribution to the #ChenabBridge inaugurated by Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi." (Credit: @iiscbangalore/ X) Madhavi Latha's Contribution 4 / 13 IISc Bangalore further stated that Dr. Madhavi Latha's team worked on the stability of slopes, design and construction of foundations, "design of slope stabilisation systems, incl. rock anchors to withstand hazards," the post added. Madhavi Latha's Education 5 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha, who played an important role in the Chenba Bridge Project, earned her in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 1992. She concluded her in Geotechnical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal in 1995. Lastly, she got her Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras in 2000. (Credit: ANI) Gold Medal In... 6 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha bagged the Gold Medal in Civil Engineering in her (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha's Awards 7 / 13 According to the official website of IISc Dr. G Madhavi Latha received "Best Paper Award for the paper "Geocell supported Embankments" in National Seminar on Ground Improvement Methods, NIT Warangal" in 1998. On the other hand, she was listed in the Top 75 Women in STEAM of India in 2022. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher by the Indian Geotechnical Society. (Credit: ANI) Role In World's Highest Bridge 8 / 13 Dr. G Madhavi Latha played a key role in the planning, design, and construction of the Chenab Bridge. She was the Geotechnical Consultant to the World's Highest Railway Bridge across the Chenab River. (Credit: ANI) Woman In Science 9 / 13 In a section named 'Women in Science', the IISc's Website mentions that the most fulfilling thing about a life in science, according to Dr. G Madhavi Latha, is "seeing your own innovative designs come to life and serve the society is the most fulfilling aspect of life in science. It makes life interesting, adventurous and worth the hardships." (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha At IISc 10 / 13 At present, Dr. G Madhavi Latha is a HAG professor at IISc and has been associated with the institute for many years. Previously, she was associated with IIT Guwahati as an Assistant Professor for over a year. (Credit: ANI) Madhavi Latha Wanted To Become... 11 / 13 In the 'Women in Science', Dr. G Madhavi Latha said, "My childhood dream was to become a doctor. I was not supported by my family to pursue that dream. During my B. Tech. days, I was told by all my teachers that I will become a good researcher. However, my true passion for scientific research was realized during my M. Tech. days." (Credit: ANI) Chenab Bridge Salient Feature 12 / 13 The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). (Credit: ANI) Lifespan of Chenab Bridge 13 / 13 The Chenab Bridge will be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years. (Credit: ANI)
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
‘Speak in Kannada first': Bengaluru woman's response to vox-pop host sparks language debate online
A video from Bengaluru has gone viral, igniting fresh discussions around the ongoing language tensions in Karnataka. In the clip, a woman firmly insists that a street interviewer speak in Kannada instead of Telugu while conducting a public interaction, a moment that has since sparked wide reactions on social media. Also Read - Karnataka raises compensation to ₹25 lakh for families of Bengaluru stampede victims The interaction took place during a street vox-pop when the host, speaking in Telugu, asked the woman her opinion about Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent IPL victory. The woman immediately interrupted him and said, 'Speak in Kannada first. You must ask the question in Kannada.' Surprised but polite, the host responded that he knew only a little Kannada. The woman didn't budge and replied, 'Speak in whatever little Kannada you know. That's fine.' Her calm but firm assertion instantly resonated with many online, especially among Kannadigas who've often voiced concerns about the diminishing usage of the local language in public spaces in Bengaluru. Also Read - Who is Madhavi Latha? Meet the IISc professor behind the world's tallest Chenab Bridge in Kashmir The video gained rapid traction, triggering a wave of responses across platforms. One user commented, 'What is he even thinking—asking questions in Telugu in Bengaluru? Doesn't he have basic awareness about Kannada being the local language?' Another user celebrated the woman's stance, writing, 'Just a few years ago, such resistance from everyday people was unheard of. This is heartening. Let this become the norm.' Some users also acknowledged the interviewer's respectful handling of the situation. 'Credit to the Telugu host too—he didn't escalate or argue. He responded sensibly and acknowledged the woman's point,' a user wrote. Others viewed the clip as a symbolic shift in public attitude. 'When you politely ask for Kannada, it pulls people out of their 'supremacy' mindset and brings ground-level respect. That's what we saw here,' another person posted. The incident adds to the growing discourse around linguistic identity in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru—a city that attracts people from across India and the world.
