In a significant stride towards bolstering its infrastructure, the Indian Army has introduced the cutting-edge 46-meter Modular Bridge into its arsenal.
Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the state-of-the-art bridging system was formally inaugurated today at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Present at the ceremony were General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, along with senior officials from the Indian Army, DRDO, and the Ministry of Defence.
Over the next four years, a total of 41 sets of the Modular Bridge, valued at ₹2,585 Crores, will be progressively integrated into the Indian Army’s infrastructure.
This mechanically launched single-span bridge, spanning 46 meters, provides a fully decked assault bridge solution, facilitating the army’s navigation over obstacles like canals and ditches with remarkable ease.
Its introduction is poised to significantly augment the critical bridging capabilities of the Indian Army Engineers, offering high mobility, ruggedness, and swift deployment and retrieval capabilities, all tailored to the fast-paced demands of mechanized operations.
Each Modular Bridge set comprises seven carrier vehicles based on 8×8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles and two launcher vehicles based on 10×10 Heavy Mobility Vehicles.
This versatile bridge system is engineered to tackle various types of obstacles, including canals and ditches, with its rapid launching and retrieval capabilities. Its mobility, versatility, and ruggedness enable seamless integration with wheeled and tracked mechanized vehicles, ensuring operational agility in diverse terrains.
The introduction of the Modular Bridge marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Indian Army’s bridging capabilities, underscoring India’s prowess in designing and developing advanced military equipment.
Notably, these indigenous bridges will replace the manually launched Medium Girder Bridges (MGB) currently in use, offering several advantages such as increased span, reduced construction time, and mechanical launching with retrieval capability.
The acquisition of the Modular Bridge not only elevates the Indian Army’s operational readiness but also underscores India’s growing stature in defence technology and manufacturing.
It exemplifies the nation’s steadfast commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and self-reliance in defence production, setting a benchmark for indigenous innovation and excellence in military infrastructure.
