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MUMBAI, India, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When many international construction giants shied away from the formidable challenge of building the world's highest single-arch railway bridge in the treacherous Himalayan terrain, Afcons rose to the occasion and turned adversity into achievement. Towering 359 metres above the river and 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the bridge now stands as a marvel of engineering. Now operational, it connects the Kashmir Valley to the Indian subcontinent by rail for the first time. The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes and bomb blasts and is a testament to resilience and innovation.
Afcons Infrastructure, the leading global EPC company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, has constructed this engineering marvel, showcasing its exceptional engineering prowess and ability to deliver world-class infrastructure in the most challenging terrains.
The 1.3 km long bridge is part of the Government of India's ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, which aims to connect Jammu & Kashmir to the rest of the country through an all-weather railway connectivity. The design life of the bridge is of 120 years, showcasing robust engineering standards.
The Chenab Railway Bridge incorporates several unique features that set new benchmarks in bridge engineering. It is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds of up to 266 km/h (74 m/s), making it resilient against harsh environmental conditions. In addition, it has been engineered to resist seismic forces of Zone-V, the highest-intensity earthquake zone in India. Notably, it is also India's first railway bridge designed to resist blast loads, underscoring a new level of safety and structural fortification. The bridge has been constructed with built-in redundancy; even if a pier or trestle were to be removed, it would remain operational at a restricted speed of 30 km/h and would not collapse under its own weight.
To execute this iconic project, Afcons deployed some of the world's most advanced construction technologies and equipment. The erection of piers, trestles, and the steel arch segments was carried out using the world's largest-capacity crossbar cable cranes, custom-designed for the project. The pylon height of the cable crane at the Srinagar end stands at 127 metres, which is significantly taller than Delhi's Qutub Minar (72 metres). These innovations made construction possible in a remote and geologically complex Himalayan region.
The construction of the Chenab Bridge also marked several engineering firsts in Indian Railways. For the first time, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) technology was used for the inspection of welds. A National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited testing laboratory was established onsite — another first — to maintain stringent quality controls for weld testing during construction. The project also saw the first-ever execution of incremental launching of a deck structure on combined circular and transition curves on Indian Railways, a feat of precision engineering rarely achieved anywhere in the world.
Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice Chairman, Afcons, said, "The Chenab Railway Bridge is more than just a marvel of engineering. It is a symbol of India's resolve to conquer the most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage."
S Paramasivan, Managing Director, Afcons, said, "For Afcons, it represents our unwavering commitment to nation-building and our ability to reimagine infrastructure in the toughest terrains. This bridge will inspire generations of engineers and stands as a tribute to the power of Indian engineering and teamwork."
About Afcons Infrastructure Ltd
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is flagship infrastructure engineering and construction company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. It has a legacy of over six decades, with strong track record of executing numerous technologically complex EPC projects both within India and internationally. As per the latest ENR survey, Afcons is ranked in Top 140 international Contractors globally; 12th in Bridges and 14th in Marine & Ports.
MUMBAI, India, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When many international construction giants shied away from the formidable challenge of building the world's highest single-arch railway bridge in the treacherous Himalayan terrain, Afcons rose to the occasion and turned adversity into achievement. Towering 359 metres above the river and 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the bridge now stands as a marvel of engineering. Now operational, it connects the Kashmir Valley to the Indian subcontinent by rail for the first time. The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes and bomb blasts and is a testament to resilience and innovation.
Afcons Infrastructure, the leading global EPC company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, has constructed this engineering marvel, showcasing its exceptional engineering prowess and ability to deliver world-class infrastructure in the most challenging terrains.
The 1.3 km long bridge is part of the Government of India's ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, which aims to connect Jammu & Kashmir to the rest of the country through an all-weather railway connectivity. The design life of the bridge is of 120 years, showcasing robust engineering standards.
The Chenab Railway Bridge incorporates several unique features that set new benchmarks in bridge engineering. It is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds of up to 266 km/h (74 m/s), making it resilient against harsh environmental conditions. In addition, it has been engineered to resist seismic forces of Zone-V, the highest-intensity earthquake zone in India. Notably, it is also India's first railway bridge designed to resist blast loads, underscoring a new level of safety and structural fortification. The bridge has been constructed with built-in redundancy; even if a pier or trestle were to be removed, it would remain operational at a restricted speed of 30 km/h and would not collapse under its own weight.
To execute this iconic project, Afcons deployed some of the world's most advanced construction technologies and equipment. The erection of piers, trestles, and the steel arch segments was carried out using the world's largest-capacity crossbar cable cranes, custom-designed for the project. The pylon height of the cable crane at the Srinagar end stands at 127 metres, which is significantly taller than Delhi's Qutub Minar (72 metres). These innovations made construction possible in a remote and geologically complex Himalayan region.
The construction of the Chenab Bridge also marked several engineering firsts in Indian Railways. For the first time, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) technology was used for the inspection of welds. A National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited testing laboratory was established onsite — another first — to maintain stringent quality controls for weld testing during construction. The project also saw the first-ever execution of incremental launching of a deck structure on combined circular and transition curves on Indian Railways, a feat of precision engineering rarely achieved anywhere in the world.
Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice Chairman, Afcons, said, "The Chenab Railway Bridge is more than just a marvel of engineering. It is a symbol of India's resolve to conquer the most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage."
S Paramasivan, Managing Director, Afcons, said, "For Afcons, it represents our unwavering commitment to nation-building and our ability to reimagine infrastructure in the toughest terrains. This bridge will inspire generations of engineers and stands as a tribute to the power of Indian engineering and teamwork."
About Afcons Infrastructure Ltd
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is flagship infrastructure engineering and construction company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. It has a legacy of over six decades, with strong track record of executing numerous technologically complex EPC projects both within India and internationally. As per the latest ENR survey, Afcons is ranked in Top 140 international Contractors globally; 12th in Bridges and 14th in Marine & Ports.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
India converts adversity into accomplishment: Afcons builds world's highest single-arch railway bridge, 35m taller than Eiffel Tower, in Himalayan terrain
India converts adversity into accomplishment: Afcons builds world's highest single-arch railway bridge, 35m taller than Eiffel Tower, in Himalayan terrain
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
