Mechanically launched single span 46 meter, MLC-70 modular bridge(PC: Twitter)
New Delhi: Scaling new heights in realising the government’s ambitious “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in the defence manufacturing, the ministry of defence has signed a deal with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to procure 41 modular bridges for Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers.
According the defence ministry, the estimated cost for these bridges would stand at over Rs 2,585 crore.
The ministry has termed it as game-changing bridges that have been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Currently, the Indian Army is using manually-launched Medium Girder Bridges (MGB). Once the modular bridges are inducted into the force, the MGB will be replaced.
What is modular bridge?
The modular bridge system consists of prefabricated components which are bolted together using basic tools to create the required bridge span or length. It can be installed quickly in the field.
As per the ministry, each set of these modular bridges will have seven carrier vehicles based on 8x8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) and two launcher vehicles based on 10x10 HMVs.
They can be launched mechanically in a single span fully decked 46-meter assault bridge.
It can be placed over several obstacles, including canals and ditches with quick launching and retrieval capabilities.
The equipment is highly mobile, versatile and rugged. It has capability of keeping pace with wheeled and tracked mechanized vehicles.
These bridges would be a force multiplier for the Indian Army in the western sector.
