Enhancing Bridge Resilience Amid Climate Change in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Enhancing bridge resilience amid climate change in India

Engineers increasingly rely on performance-based risk assessment to evaluate bridge behavior under damage, vulnerability, and recovery scenarios.

This study introduces a method to assess the structural integrity of reinforced concrete bridges in South Asia, considering risks from chlorine-laden air and heavy traffic loads.

By focusing on critical infrastructure like roads and railways, the approach enhances bridge durability, safety, and resilience against environmental and operational stresses, ensuring long-term stability and functionality.

Value of transport
assets in India
exposed to climate
risks (2022)
$ 0 bn
Structurally distressed
bridges; 100 near collapse
(National Bridge Audit,
2017)
0 +

Impact and Key Findings

1

The study evaluated land and waterway bridges, analyzing their ability to withstand environmental and operational stresses over time. This comprehensive assessment enhances understanding of long-term performance, informing strategies to improve durability, safety, and resilience. 

2

The study examined deterioration in reinforced concrete bridges, assessing vehicle-induced stress and corrosion from environmental factors, especially chlorine-laden air. These elements critically affect structural integrity and safety, informing strategies to enhance long-term resilience and durability. 

3

By assessing disaster risk and long-term structural strength, the findings reveal declining durability, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced maintenance and design improvements to ensure the resilience and safety of bridges against evolving environmental and operational challenges. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.