Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), achieved yet another momentous milestone by fabricating and launching a multi-span double lane modular bridge of 280 feet span (02×140 feet) at KM 72.625 on Phobrang-Marshimik-La Hot-Spring Road, Union territory of Ladakh on July 10, 2025. The bridge has been handed over to Project Himank (Border Roads Organisation).
This is for the first time in India that a Multi-Span Double Lane Modular Bridge has been launched, that too within a short time-span of just twenty (20) days in one of the most remote and difficult terrains of the country.
This landmark achievement was executed in the very high altitude of Ladakh with the team braving extreme cold weather conditions in the most critical forward area along India’s borders, facilitating seamless connectivity for troop and equipment deployment for the Indian Army.
Unparalleled in its innovation, the Double-Lane Steel Bridge developed by GRSE stands as the sole indigenous solution of its kind, in line with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Under the MoU signed with Border Roads Organisation (BRO), GRSE have already supplied 56 nos. Bridges Pan -India.
The bridges have a carriageway width of 7.5 metres, permitting plying of two-way traffic in compliance with specifications laid down by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). High tensile steel of Grade E-410 ensures high strength, long life and low temperature applications. The galvanised surface finish ensures easier maintenance and longer service life. Load Class IRC 70R permits movement of both Wheeled/ Tracked Vehicles of up to 100 / 70 MT. The modular concept ensures easier transportation of bridge components to remote areas and faster erection of bridges in a short span of 30 to 45 days.
In August 2022, GRSE attained an exclusive distinction by becoming the sole Indian organisation qualified for the esteemed Green Channel Certification for Portable Steel Bridges (Bailey Type) from the Indian Army.
GRSE’s Portable Steel Bridge Division has pushed the boundaries of innovation through intensive research and development efforts, resulting in the creation of superior versions of portable bridge designs. Over 5,900 portable steel bridges have already been supplied by GRSE to Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation, NHIDCL, State Public Works Departments and other Government agencies. These versatile bridges, originally intended for disaster management, have also garnered international recognition, being exported to friendly nations including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
