World's Tallest Railway Pier Bridge Now Reality In Manipur
The giant engineering marvel, considered as the world’s tallest railway pier bridge of 141 meter, is an integral part of the 111 km-long Jiribam-Imphal new line railway project.
Kolkata: The world's tallest railway pier bridge at Noney in Manipur has finally become a reality, courtesy Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and Indian Army.
On Wednesday, the NFR informed that it has successfully completed the girder launching on the iconic Bridge No. 164, known as the Noney Bridge.
The giant engineering marvel, considered as the world’s tallest railway pier bridge of 141 meter, is an integral part of the 111 km-long Jiribam-Imphal new line railway project.
The NFR said, “The final span of the bridge was successfully erected recently, completing the launch of all eight spans of this monumental infrastructure project. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the construction of the bridge, which is not only an engineering marvel but also a vital link in the region’s transport network.”
“What sets this bridge apart globally is its record-breaking piers—P3 and P4—each rising to an astounding height of 141 meters, making them the tallest bridge piers in the world.”
Territorial Army soldiers are seen patrolling Bridge No. 164, known as Noney Bridge in Manipur. (Image/Indian Army)
The bridge comprises a configuration comprising steel spans arranged as 1x71.5m+5x106m+1x71.5m+1x30m.
The NFR added, “This strategic design ensures both structural stability and the ability to withstand challenging terrain and environmental conditions, reinforcing the bridge’s importance in enhancing regional connectivity and development.”
Designed to withstand complex geological and climatic challenges of the region, the bridge also passes through difficult hilly terrain and deep valleys that required round the clock military security cover by the Territorial Army's 107 infantry battalion comprising 11 Gorkha Rifles, known as the Gorkha Terriers.
The Eastern Command said, “The Gorkha Terriers provided continuous security and operational support during the construction of the world’s tallest railway pier bridge. Their disciplined presence ensured uninterrupted progress in a region frequently challenged by security threats and complex terrain during inclement weather conditions.”
It added, “On 25 April, 2025, the final span of this record-breaking structure was successfully placed, marking a monumental achievement not just in civil engineering, but in civil-military cooperation and national resolve. While the bridge stands today as a towering symbol of India’s infrastructure capability, it was the unwavering vigilance of the Indian Army's Gorkha Terriers that made this triumph possible.”
