SARVATRA: A Multispan Mobile Bridging System Developed by DRDO

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 31-01-2024

SARVATRA: A Multispan Mobile Bridging System Developed by DRDO

Defence 3 min read

SARVATRA, a Multispan Mobile Bridging System designed and developed by Armament and Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence.

SARVATRA assists the Army in constructing bridges over flowing water, ensuring robust connectivity between two areas during natural disasters.

About SARVATRA

The truck-mounted bridge is composed of five aluminum alloy scissor bridges that are mounted on a separate moving platform.
Each scissor bridge spans approximately 15 metres and together, they can tackle bridge-related obstacles up to a distance of 75 metres.
This moving bridge is a one-step solution for multiple challenges faced by the Indian Defence Force and can be developed within 100 minutes.
The moving bridge has proven its effectiveness by ensuring connectivity during several natural calamities, such as earthquakes, floods and others.
Each scissor is mounted on Tatra 815 trucks, developed by the Czech company Tatra and is operationalised using a microprocessor-based control system.
The bridges can be launched and recovered from both ends and their height can be adjusted from 2.5 meters to 6 metres with the help of telescopic legs.
The adjustable legs of SARVATRA help in reducing the visibility of the bridge.

Variants of SARVATRA

The Indian Army uses two variants of SARVATRA, the 15m and 20m Bridge Systems.
"The 20-meter SARVATRA bridge has been designed to fill the 100-metre gap seamlessly."

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is the primary agency in India for conducting research related to the country's defence.
It operates as a subsidiary unit of the Defence Ministry. The DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the existing Technical Development Establishments (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP) and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
The primary function of DRDO is to design, develop and manufacture advanced sensors, weapons and equipment. Additionally, it conducts research to enhance the capabilities of the security forces.
Headquarters – Delhi
Chairman – Dr. Sameer V Kamat