Chenab Bridge success: CM Naidu salutes 'Telugu daughter'; Madhavi Latha says 'All glory belongs to ...'

Prof Madhavi Latha

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu praised Professor G Madhavi Latha for her major role in building the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated her 17 years of hard work and commitment to the project.

Calling her a ‘Telugu daughter,’ CM Naidu said she made India proud. He also congratulated the entire team of engineers and workers who worked under tough conditions to complete the bridge.

“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,” Naidu posted on X.

Naidu also praised the entire team for completing the project in a difficult area with harsh weather. Their efforts, he said, were a big step towards building a stronger nation. “I congratulate the entire team of engineers and construction workers on completing this unprecedented project, despite the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Your contributions towards nation-building are inspiring,” he added.

Professor Madhavi Latha is an expert in rock engineering and worked with Northern Railways on the project. She gave key advice on stabilising slopes and strengthening the foundation of the arch-shaped bridge, according to a report by Financial Express.

Madhavi Latha on widespread applause

After receiving widespread praise, Latha has 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.

Madhavi Latha, wrote on her LinkedIn: “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 belongs to Indian Railways,” she added.

The bridge, which was built at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, is 1,315 metres long and has a steel arch of 467 metres. It is a part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-km railway line to improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar and Baramulla via Reasi. The bridge can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and has a lifespan of 120 years.

The bridge was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6. It can withstand strong winds of up to 260 km/h and has a design life of 120 years.