IIT launches training prog for sustainable bridge construction

Bhubaneswar: To promote sustainable bridge construction in rural areas, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar launched a five-day training programme for over 40 engineers from across the country on Tuesday. The institute’s school of infrastructure organised the programme, where master trainers emphasised the importance of comprehensive data-driven research, geotechnical investigation, and safe, resilient bridge design.
Officials said that the five-day training will cover key aspects of bridge design, such as planning, detailed project report (DPR) preparation, soil investigation, hydraulic design, and load assessment.
“The training aims to offer an interactive platform for participants to explore the complexities of bridge engineering,” an official said. Suresh R Dash, the program coordinator, said that despite the importance of bridges, their design is often overlooked in traditional Indian academic curricula. “The recent bridge failures have highlighted the need for careful attention to bridge design, construction, and maintenance. The increasing frequency of failures is alarming for all involved,” said Dash.
Ashok Kumar Basa, executive vice president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, warned that without adequate site data, even the best designs cannot prevent structural failure. He shared case studies of past failures during the programme.
According to sources, reviews of DPRs frequently reveal deficiencies, indicating significant room for improvement.
Notably, IIT Bhubaneswar provides technical expertise for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, serving as the state technical agency for Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.