The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar, is organising a 5-day training programme on ‘Survey, Investigation and Preparation of DPR (Detailed Project Report) for Bridges in Rural Roads’.

The programme started on Monday and will continue till September 13. It would deliberate the reasons for the frequent collapse of bridges in different parts of the country.

More than 40 delegates from across the country involved in bridge analysis, design, or construction participated in the workshop. They will deliberate on how to use modern technology to prevent bridge collapse.

The training program aims to offer an interactive platform for delegates to explore the fundamentals of bridge engineering. Past bridge failures have highlighted the need for serious attention to bridge design, construction and maintenance. “The frequent news of bridge failures is concerning. Although bridges are designed to last 100 years, their premature deterioration raises concerns for all involved in their planning, design, construction, and maintenance,” the IIT (Bhubaneswar) said in a press release.

Inaugurating the training programme, former president, the Institute of Engineers India (IEI), and at present serving as the executive vice-president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Ashok Kumar Basa stressed the importance of thorough and accurate geotechnical and hydrological site data collection, likening it to prescribing medicine based on accurate pathological reports.

“Without adequate site data, no amount of sophistication in design can prevent structural failure,” Basa said, adding that minor mistakes in design or construction can lead to catastrophic consequences.