Segment erection work in progress at the Dhubri viaduct

Interestingly, the project team refers to themselves as ‘Guardians of the River’, highlighting their collective awareness and steadfast efforts to build safely and, at the same time, preserve the fragile ecosystem in which they operate. From cantilever lifting of heavy segments to erecting the majestic stay cable over the Brahmaputra’s mainstream, every operation has been carefully planned and meticulously executed.

Battling with nature … and winning

Taming the Brahmaputra is high on the team’s EHS priority list, having to contend with constantly shifting riverbed & soil conditions that demand continuous geotechnical monitoring and real-time risk assessments. “Despite fluctuating water levels and strong currents, we have carried out the foundation and substructure works using specialized floating equipment, with safety boats, rescue teams, and lifebuoy stations stationed at strategic points,” explains Sachin.

In a region that receives annually about 4,000 mm of rainfall, monsoon-induced risks are always clear and present, calling for optimizing work schedules to minimize exposure during the peak monsoon months. Superstructure activities are often buffeted by gusty winds and sandstorms, for which the team have wind speed monitoring systems and defined work suspension thresholds. Workers are also given focused training on water safety and emergency response.

“As our site lies in a seismically active zone, we have implemented strict structural stability measures,” apprises Saravanakumar, “conducting regular emergency evacuation plans and seismic safety awareness programmes to ensure readiness.”

Know risk. No risk.

Accurately assessing the risks involved for their various activities gives Sachin and his team a clear view of the mitigation measures required to remain committed to Mission Zero Harm. “Every task is rigorously risk-assessed and supervised by safety officers and engineers, and whenever work exceeds a height of 1.8 m, our comprehensive Work Permit System kicks in,” he points out. Mandatory PPE includes full-body harnesses, double lanyards, and helmets, and the project’s digital safety ecosystem reports near misses, unsafe acts, and conditions in real time, which are then analysed and acted upon during highlevel reviews. SOPs include regular inspections of scaffoldings, installation of guardrails, toe boards, and safety nets. Any non-compliance attracts immediate corrective actions, reinforcing a zerotolerance approach towards unsafe behaviour and fostering a culture of accountability and proactive safety.

Segment erection and upper pylon construction work in progress at the Main Bridge

“With multiple pier table castings completed safely over water and at height, the project exemplifies how planning, technology, and teamwork converge to ensure safety without compromise,” says an undoubtedly pleased Jeevan Harishchandra Rao, Head – EHS, TI IC – RBF SBG.

Emergency preparedness is ingrained in project operations with well-defined Emergency Response Plans that cover fire, flood, confined-space rescue, and medical emergencies. “Frequent mock drills such as the recent Drowning Rescue Drill enhance workforce readiness through realistic simulations of rescue operations, CPR, and first aid,” highlights Sachin, happy that such exercises strengthen coordination, communication, and confidence among work teams, ensuring swift and effective response during real incidents.

Both Saravanakumar and Sachin appreciate the merits of recognizing excellence in safety by instituting monthly awards for the Best Safety Conscious Worker and Best Safety Conscious Staff. Equipment compliance, PPE use, and behavioural safety are continuously tracked too.

Precast yard of the Main Bridge on the Phulbari side

Driving environmental stewardship

Saravanakumar is particularly proud of his team’s comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan to manage waste, control pollution, and preserve biodiversity. “Some of our key initiatives include 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) programmes that convert concrete waste into paver blocks, reusing RO reject water, continuously monitoring air, water, and noise for regulatory compliance, tree plantation drives, erecting river safety signage, and driving public awareness campaigns promoting sustainable development,” he shares with a satisfied smile.

A key component of the team’s environmental stewardship is their Brahmaputra River Dolphin Conservation Programme that involves noise and vibration control, water-quality monitoring, and community sensitization. After studying and monitoring the behaviour, habitat, and health of the dolphins, the team has specifically timed and managed their activities to minimize disturbance, including limits on noise and vibration. An inhouse-developed SOP monitors noise using calibrated Class 2 meters and a custom PGET-developed Excel-based logarithmic calculator for accurate data analysis.

Apart from enforcing strict controls on waste and pollutant discharges to protect water quality, the team has put up signage and driven public awareness campaigns to educate the workers and local communities about the importance of conserving the ecosystem of the river.

“Safety is the foundation of every milestone we achieve,” reiterates Saravanakumar passionately. “From concrete production to segment erection, our teams operate with precision, accountability, and care, and we hope that this bridge will stand not only as an engineering marvel but as a testament to our safety culture.”