Cracks beneath the Surface

31 Jul 2025 CW Team

India’s rapid infrastructure expansion is being overshadowed by an alarming rise in bridge collapses – turning symbols of connectivity into sites of tragedy. From century-old structures worn down by time to new constructions failing within years, the failures reflect more than structural fatigue; they reveal systemic lapses in design, auditing and governance. As lives are lost and public trust erodes, experts are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that the nation’s drive to build does not come at the cost of safety.

The latest collapse

Tragedy struck again in Gujarat with the collapse of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge, a vital link between Central and South Gujarat and Saurashtra. Built in 1986 at a cost of Rs 343 lakh by the UP State Bridge Construction Company, the nearly 900-m-long structure with 23 piers was expected to last a century. Despite repeated warnings from local leaders – some even predicting that the bridge would not survive another year – no preventive action was taken...

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Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..