How is Northeast Frontier Railway Enhancing Bridge Safety with Underwater Robots?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Northeast Frontier Railway is making strides in bridge safety by utilizing advanced Remotely Operated Robotic Vehicle technology to conduct underwater inspections. Notably, the historic Saraighat Bridge was thoroughly assessed. This initiative aims to enhance structural health monitoring and ensure the longevity of vital transportation routes across Northeast India.
Key Takeaways
- Northeast Frontier Railway is implementing advanced technologies for bridge safety.
- Underwater inspections help assess the condition of submerged structures.
- The use of RORV technology marks a significant improvement in infrastructure evaluation.
- Regular inspections are critical for maintaining the safety of vital transportation routes.
- NFR is committed to ensuring the longevity of its bridges across the region.
Guwahati, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has accomplished comprehensive underwater and structural evaluations of significant railway bridges utilizing cutting-edge Remotely Operated Robotic Vehicle (RORV) technology, as reported by officials on Sunday.
This RORV technology encompasses vital bridges including the renowned Saraighat Bridge spanning the Brahmaputra and multiple crucial bridges within the Alipurduar (APDJ) Division located in North Bengal.
NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma mentioned that these major railway bridges possess substructures that are submerged throughout the year, making underwater inspections crucial for evaluating the condition of foundations, wells, and piers.
The historic Saraighat Bridge in Assam, India's first rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, stretches 1.45 km and links Pandu and Amingaon. As a key rail-road lifeline for Northeast India, it underwent inspections using a blend of RORV surveys, LiDAR, thermal imaging, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) tests.
The assessments included examining pier caps, well foundations, underwater scour zones, stress points in the superstructure, and deck components.
In the APDJ Division, 18 significant bridges were examined thoroughly, with RORV capturing high-resolution images of submerged piers, riverbeds, and potential defects, as stated by the CPRO.
Sharma noted that across all these structures, no major underwater defects were found. During the period of 2024-25, NFR conducted underwater inspections on 13 bridges using RORV technology, and in 2025-26, 34 additional bridges have already been inspected.
These evaluations bolster the accuracy of NFR's structural health monitoring and facilitate timely planning for preventive maintenance.
The official asserted that NFR is dedicated to employing modern inspection technologies to guarantee the ongoing safety and longevity of major bridges throughout the region. The integration of RORV, alongside advanced digital tools, signifies a monumental advancement in scientific bridge evaluation.
NFR will persist in enhancing its inspection framework to protect essential connectivity routes, particularly structures like the Saraighat Bridge and key bridges under NFR, which are crucial for rail operations across the Northeast region.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) operates within the Northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of northern Bihar.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significant advancements made by the Northeast Frontier Railway in utilizing technology for infrastructure safety. The deployment of RORV technology not only enhances inspection capabilities but also underscores a commitment to maintaining vital transportation links in the Northeast. Such innovations are essential for ensuring public safety and the reliability of railway operations in the region.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of RORV technology in bridge inspections?
RORV technology is used to conduct detailed underwater and structural inspections of railway bridges to assess their condition and identify potential defects, ensuring their safety and longevity.
How many bridges were inspected using RORV technology?
During 2024-25, NFR inspected 13 bridges using RORV technology, and in the subsequent year, 34 additional bridges have already been inspected.
What notable bridge was inspected during this initiative?
The historic Saraighat Bridge, which is the first rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, was one of the key structures inspected using this technology.
