NFR Deploys Underwater Robots to Inspect 34 Bridges
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

NFR Deploys Underwater Robots to Inspect 34 Bridges

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has carried out extensive inspections of major railway bridges using underwater robotic vehicles, including the iconic Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The initiative uses advanced Remotely Operated Robotic Vehicle (RORV) technology to assess submerged structures that require year-round monitoring.

The Saraighat Bridge — India’s first rail-cum-road bridge linking Pandu and Amingaon — underwent a comprehensive evaluation using a combination of RORV surveys, LiDAR, thermal imaging, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing. The review covered pier caps, well foundations, underwater scour zones, superstructure stress points and deck elements.

NFR also conducted similar inspections on 18 additional bridges, capturing high-resolution visuals of riverbeds, submerged piers and potential defects. Across the structures surveyed, no major underwater issues were found.

In 2024–25, NFR completed underwater inspections of 13 bridges using RORV. In 2025–26, the tally has risen sharply, with 34 bridges already examined. The railway said the technology, combined with modern digital tools, is significantly enhancing structural-health monitoring and aiding timely preventive-maintenance planning.
News source: The Assam Tribune

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has carried out extensive inspections of major railway bridges using underwater robotic vehicles, including the iconic Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The initiative uses advanced Remotely Operated Robotic Vehicle (RORV) technology to assess submerged structures that require year-round monitoring.The Saraighat Bridge — India’s first rail-cum-road bridge linking Pandu and Amingaon — underwent a comprehensive evaluation using a combination of RORV surveys, LiDAR, thermal imaging, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing. The review covered pier caps, well foundations, underwater scour zones, superstructure stress points and deck elements.NFR also conducted similar inspections on 18 additional bridges, capturing high-resolution visuals of riverbeds, submerged piers and potential defects. Across the structures surveyed, no major underwater issues were found.In 2024–25, NFR completed underwater inspections of 13 bridges using RORV. In 2025–26, the tally has risen sharply, with 34 bridges already examined. The railway said the technology, combined with modern digital tools, is significantly enhancing structural-health monitoring and aiding timely preventive-maintenance planning.News source: The Assam Tribune

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement