Chenab Bridge Symbolises India’s Engineering Genius and Social Responsibility: Prof. Dr. K.S. Rao

Pune, 25th June 2025: “The making of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River is not just an engineering feat but a symbol of Indian ingenuity, architectural prowess, technical capability, and deep social responsibility,” remarked Prof. Dr. K.S. Rao, formerly Emeritus Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi.

Speaking at lecture on the ‘Making of the World’s Highest Chenab Bridge: Technical and Social Challenges’, Dr. Rao—who was directly involved in the project—shared insights into the various complexities encountered during the construction process. He also addressed queries from an enthusiastic audience.

The event was jointly hosted by the Builders’ Association of India (BAI) Pune Centre, the Institution of Engineers (India) Pune Local Centre and the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) Pune Chapter at the Institution of Engineers auditorium in Shivajinagar.

In his keynote address, Dr. Rao elaborated on the geotechnical hurdles, unpredictable weather conditions, challenges of working in rugged terrains, and logistical difficulties that shaped the construction journey. He also touched upon the project’s socio-environmental implications and the impact on the local communities.

The iconic Chenab Bridge, which stands at a height of 359 metres—taller than the Eiffel Tower—forms a critical link in the Indian Railways’ Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla route. It is considered vital for improving connectivity in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

The program saw participation from a large number of civil engineering students, professionals, builders, technical experts, and researchers. It was also streamed live on BAI’s official YouTube channel.

Ajay Gujar, Chairman of BAI Pune Center, welcomed the audience and highlighted the association’s various initiatives. State President of BAI Jagannath Jadhav, Honorary Secretary of Institution of Engineers Dr. Uttam Aware, IGS representatives Ramesh Kulkarni and Chairperson Suman Jain were also present. Sanjay Apte anchored the session, while C.H. Ratlani delivered the vote of thanks. The event aimed not only at disseminating technical knowledge but also at raising awareness about the societal dimensions of national infrastructure projects.

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29th ‘Well Built Structure Competition 2025’ Announced

During the event, Ajay Gujar also announced the 29th edition of BAI’s prestigious ‘Well Built Structure Competition 2025’. The competition will be held across 16 categories, and nominations are now open. The deadline for submitting entries is September 30, 2025. Interested participants can visit the BAI Pune Center office or contact 9850538346 for further details.