From Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir to Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, some of the best engineering marvels have emerged in recent years. These modern marvels have redefined our notions of possibility and remind us of the incredible achievements that human beings are capable of. Take a look at India's some of the best engineering marvels.
Atal Tunnel
Designated as the 'World's Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet' by the World Book of Records, Atal Tunnel is located beneath the Rohtang Pass on the Manali-Leh Highway in Himachal Pradesh. Constructed in challenging terrain and freezing temperatures, the 9.02 km long tunnel is also known as Rohtang Tunnel. Its construction is aimed to overcome the issue of the highway's closure during the winter months, which isolated Lahaul & Spiti.
With the tunnel in place, the distance on the Manali-Sarchu road has been reduced by 46 km, resulting in a travel time reduction of about four to five hours. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity on the Manali-Leh route throughout the year. Constructing the tunnel required remarkable technical and engineering skills, considering the challenging conditions of the Pir Panjal Ranges in the Himalayas.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, located in Mumbai, is an iconic infrastructure project connecting Bandra and Worli's suburbs. Spanning a distance of approximately 5.6 kilometers, this cable-stayed bridge serves as a crucial link between the western and central parts of Mumbai. The sea link not only eases traffic congestion but also reduces travel time significantly.
Its construction is aimed to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and improve transportation efficiency in the region. The bridge can reportedly withstand earthquakes up to 7.0 magnitude. With its stunning architectural design and engineering marvel, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link stands as a symbol of modernity and progress in the bustling city of Mumbai.
Chenab Bridge
Regarded as the world's highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, is located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramullah (USBRL) railway link, which aims to connect Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India.
The construction of this arch bridge is currently underway and is expected to be completed by December 2023 or January 2024. The Chenab Bridge has passed various rigorous tests, including assessments for high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, earthquake resilience, and hydrological impacts caused by rising water levels. Once completed, this bridge will significantly enhance connectivity in the region.
Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge
Inaugurated in 2019, Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge is an impressive cable-stayed bridge located in Hyderabad. Spanning across the Durgam Cheruvu lake, this bridge showcases a remarkable design and utilizes advanced engineering techniques.
The bridge is supported by cables attached to a single pylon (tall tower-like structure), reaching a height of 49 meters. It is also said to be the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world in terms of its span length of 233.8 meters. Visitors throng the bridge to watch sunsets. Owing to traffic disruption and large footfall, Hyderabad Police recently imposed a penlaty of INR 2000 at the six-lane bridge. People are often seeing stopping by, parking their vehicles to enjoy the view and click some pictures.