June 6 — a day that will be etched in the memory of every Indian engineer and citizen — marks the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the world’s highest railway arch bridge connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, I look at this marvel with misty eyes and a full heart.This is more than a bridge. It is a symbol of unity, resilience, and India’s unyielding spirit to conquer the impossible. For me personally, it is the fulfilment of a dream — a 15-year journey of science, sweat, and soul.AdvertisementWhen I was first associated with this project in 2005, little did I know that it would become a defining chapter of my professional life. As a geotechnical consultant for the Chenab Bridge, I was entrusted with the responsibility of solving some of the most complex engineering challenges in one of the most geologically unstable regions in the world. From that point until 2020, I devoted myself to this project with unwavering commitment — not as an assignment, but as a national duty.Also Read | PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat between Katra, SrinagarThe Chenab gorge, with its fractured rock masses, high seismic activity, and unpredictable terrain, required a fundamentally different approach. That’s where the philosophy of “design-as-you-go” came in — an approach grounded in flexibility, deep scientific analysis, and on-site responsiveness. It wasn’t about applying textbook theories alone; it was about adapting to nature’s will while ensuring safety, strength, and sustainability.Leading a dedicated team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, I contributed to extensive site-specific geotechnical investigations and real-time assessments, advanced numerical modeling using finite element methods to simulate slope stability, Rock mechanics analysis and customised support systems for deep excavations and designing foundation systems for the abutments that could withstand both geological surprises and seismic forces.AdvertisementEach day on the field brought new challenges — but also new insights. Every calculation, every simulation, every decision carried the weight of national expectation. And that pressure became my inspiration. I knew that this bridge was not just an engineering structure — it was a bridge to hope for millions. It would connect communities, open up the Kashmir Valley, and stand as a tribute to India’s engineering might.Today, standing at the threshold of this historic inauguration by our Prime Minister — something I had long dreamed of — I feel a deep sense of gratitude. To be part of a project of this scale and significance is the greatest honour of my life. Seeing the bridge soar 359 meters above the Chenab River, taller than even the Eiffel Tower, is nothing short of breathtaking.As Chairman of AICTE, I often speak to students and faculty about the power of applied knowledge and research. This bridge, this journey, is living proof of that philosophy. It shows how academic research, when fused with national vision, can create wonders. It reinforces my belief that engineers are the architects of the nation’s future, and that our classrooms must prepare them not just with theory but with the courage to solve real-world problems.The Chenab Bridge is more than a technical achievement — it is a story of human endeavour, of teamwork, of innovation under pressure, and above all, of patriotic purpose.This bridge has now physically united the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. But more importantly, it has emotionally united all Indians — engineers, planners, workers, and citizens — in a shared dream that has finally come true.most readIt is the proudest moment of my life — to have served my nation in this capacity, to have contributed to something so monumental, and to have witnessed its completion in the presence of our Prime Minister.Let this bridge inspire future generations to dream big, to work hard, and to believe that with passion and purpose, nothing is beyond reach.The writer is Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and was geotechnical consultant – Chenab Bridge Project (2005–2020)