359 metres above the riverbed. 17 years of dedication. One woman’s quiet brilliance beneath the world’s highest railway arch bridge. On 6 June 2025, the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir — taller than the Eiffel Tower — was officially inaugurated. A marvel of engineering, it promises all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley and stands as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and national unity. But behind this steel giant stands another pillar — Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, a professor at IISc Bengaluru and a rock engineering expert, who spent 17 years consulting on the project. From slope stabilisation to foundation design, her work ensured that the bridge could withstand earthquakes, wind speeds of up to 260 kmph, and the harshest terrain. As the first woman faculty member in her department at IISc, she also pushed against gender barriers — even advocating for basic infrastructure like women’s restrooms in the geotech building. Armed with a PhD from IIT Madras and a passion for sustainability, she pioneered innovative techniques like cement grouting with steel reinforcements to stabilise fractured Himalayan rocks. Her role in this historic project is a testament to what perseverance, expertise, and quiet leadership can build — literally. #chenabbridge #madhavilatha #womeninstem #indianengineering #iisc #stemleadership #worldshighestrailwaybridge #geotechhero [Madhavi Latha, IISc Researcher, Chenab Bridge, Jammu & Kashmir]