The DRDO and L&T officially handing over the new modular bridge to the Indian Army chief Gen Manoj Pande. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
New Delhi: The Indian Army has significantly bolstered its ability to overcome obstacles by inducting a new, state-of-the-art 46-metre modular bridge system. This innovative equipment, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was officially handed over to the Army during a ceremony held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, including the Army chief, General Manoj Pande, marked the beginning of a four-year period during which a total of 41 sets of these bridges, valued at ₹2,585 crore, will be progressively integrated into the Army’s inventory.
This new modular bridge system boasts several advantages over existing options. It is a mechanically launched, single-span, fully decked bridge spanning an impressive 46 metres, allowing the Army’s troops and vehicles to effortlessly traverse obstacles like canals and ditches. Its key features include high mobility, ruggedness, and the ability for rapid deployment and retrieval, making it perfectly suited for the fast-paced nature of modern mechanized operations.
The new modular bridge system of the Indian Army. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
Each bridge set comprises seven carrier vehicles based on robust 8x8 heavy mobility platforms (HMVs) and two launcher vehicles based on even sturdier 10x10 HMVs. This configuration enables the bridge to be deployed across diverse terrains and retrieved efficiently, ensuring it can keep pace with both wheeled and tracked mechanised vehicles.
The new modular bridges are set to replace the Army’s existing manually launched medium girder bridges (MGBs). They offer several improvements over their predecessors, including a longer span, faster deployment times thanks to mechanical launching, and the crucial capability for retrieval.
DRDO, L&T, and senior Indian Army officials during the handing-over event of the new modular bridge. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
This induction marks a significant milestone in the Army’s journey towards enhanced bridging capabilities. It not only showcases India’s growing prowess in designing and developing advanced military equipment but also underlines the nation’s unwavering commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence production.
The acquisition of these bridges not only strengthens the Army’s operational effectiveness but also serves as a testament to India’s growing prominence in the field of defence technology and manufacturing.
