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In a groundbreaking achievement for India, the Kolkata metro recently made history by completing a trial run under the Hooghly river—13 meters below the river bed and 33 meters beneath the ground level.
Here, we explore 10 other impressive engineering accomplishments India has recently accomplished.
1. Atal Tunnel
The Atal Tunnel, stretching 9.02 kilometers, links Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Finished in 2020, it’s named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and stands as a major engineering triumph. It cuts travel distance by 46 kilometers and travel time by 4-5 hours.
2. Bandra-Worli Sea link
This cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai is among India’s longest. Its construction involved using advanced methods to withstand the tough marine environment and geological conditions. With seismic arresters installed, the bridge can endure earthquakes measuring up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.
3. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel
The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, holds the title of India’s longest railway tunnel. Built using the New Austrian tunneling method, it was opened in 2013. This tunnel has greatly shortened the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.
4. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge
The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, India’s longest road bridge at 9.15 kilometers, crosses the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It serves as a vital transport route for the Indian Army and has boosted trade and tourism in the area. The bridge was built using state-of-the-art technology and advanced engineering methods.
5. Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Bridge, set to be completed soon by Indian Railways, will be the world’s highest railway bridge. This 1.315-kilometer-long steel arch structure, supported by piers, will connect two regions in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a remarkable engineering achievement constructed in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
6. Bogibeel Bridge
The Bogibeel Bridge in Assam is India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge, stretching 4.94 kilometers across the Brahmaputra River. Inaugurated in 2018, this double-decker structure is designed to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
7. Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge
Inaugurated in 2019, the Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge in Hyderabad spans the Durgam Cheruvu lake. Cables support this cable-stayed bridge from a single 49-meter tall tower. Its unique design and construction required advanced engineering techniques.
8. Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity, located in Gujarat, India, is a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It is the tallest statue in the world, standing at 182 meters. Its construction required complex engineering techniques to ensure stability, making it an engineering marvel.
9. Pamban Bridge
The upcoming Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu will connect Rameswaram island to mainland India, replacing the old bridge. It has a 72-meter-long lift span and will be India’s first vertical-lift bridge, allowing taller ships to pass through easily.
10. Signature bridge in Delhi
The Signature Bridge in Delhi crosses the Yamuna River and measures 675 meters in length and 35 meters in width. It features a 154-meter-high tower that doubles as an observation deck. Opened in 2018, the bridge is equipped with modern technologies like sensors to monitor wind speed and traffic.
Conclusion
India’s recent engineering marvels showcase the country’s rapid advancement in infrastructure and technology. These projects, from towering statues to innovative bridges and tunnels, highlight India’s ability to overcome challenging terrains and harsh environmental conditions. They significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and foster economic growth. As India continues to push the boundaries of engineering, these accomplishments stand as testaments to the nation’s ingenuity and determination.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Atal Tunnel?
Ans: The Atal Tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, reducing travel distance by 46 kilometers and saving 4-5 hours of travel time. It is a remarkable engineering feat completed in 2020.
Q2: How was the Chenab Bridge constructed?
Ans: The Chenab Bridge, expected to be the world’s highest, is being built by the Indian Railways using advanced engineering techniques to withstand challenging terrain and weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q3: What makes the Bogibeel Bridge unique?
Ans: Located in Assam, the Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge at 4.94 kilometers. It has a double-decker structure and is designed to withstand earthquakes and floods.
Q4: Why is the Signature Bridge in Delhi notable?
Ans: Inaugurated in 2018, the Signature Bridge spans the Yamuna River and features a 154-meter-high tower as an observation deck. It includes modern technologies like sensors for monitoring wind speed and traffic.
Q5: What engineering challenges did the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge overcome?
Ans: The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, 9.15 kilometers over the Brahmaputra River in Assam, was constructed using the latest technology to provide a critical transportation link and support trade and tourism.
Q6: What is special about the Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge?
Ans: Opened in 2019, this cable-stayed bridge in Hyderabad spans Durgam Cheruvu Lake and features a unique design with cables suspended from a single 49-meter tall tower.
Q7: How tall is the Statue of Unity, and why is it significant?
Ans: The Statue of Unity, standing at 182 meters, is the tallest in the world. Located in Gujarat, it honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and involves complex engineering to ensure its stability.
Q8: What advancements does the upcoming Pamban Bridge include?
Ans: The new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu will be India’s first vertical-lift bridge, featuring a 72-meter-long lift span to allow taller ships to pass.
Q9: How does the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel benefit travel?
Ans: The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, the longest in India, significantly reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, improving connectivity in the Himalayan region.
Q10: What are the features of the Kolkata metro’s underwater section?
Ans: Kolkata Metro made history with its trial run under the Hooghly River, running 13 meters below the river bed and 33 meters below ground level, showcasing advanced engineering capabilities.