The world's tallest precast structure was installed in the Thilamalé bridge which, once completed, would connect Malé, Villimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thiafushi.
The Indian High Commission in Maldives said in a post on X that the bridge's precast navigation span segment is the tallest in the world which uses the long line method. Photos published by the High Commission show that the 'V' shaped structures on the bridge's superstructure are in the process of being connected.
The segment, which is 8.23 ​​meters long and 25.37 meters wide, will weigh 216.04 metric tonnes, the High Commission detailed.
The diplomatic mission described this as "a day of special achievement."
A Day of Special AchievementOn 3 April, 2025, the tallest precast navigation span segment in the world under the ???????? ???????? Greater Male Connectivity Project was erected by Afcons. The 8.23m tall and 25.37m wide segment weighs 216.04 MT and is an engineering marvel. pic.twitter.com/Zy6YI5L7E1— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) April 3, 2025
Precasting is the process of connecting all parts of the bridge after making them elsewhere and transporting them to the site. Earlier, when the Sinamalé Bridge was built, these parts were brought from China. However, this time the work is being done in Gulhifalhu.
According to plans, the Thilamalé bridge project, which is being developed by India's AFCONS, would connect Malé, Villimalé, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu by a 6.7 kilometre bridge.
The project, which is funded by an Indian loan assistance worth USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion). This includes USD 400 million under a line of credit from Exim Bank of India and USD 100 million in free aid from the Government of India.
According to local sources, about 40 percent of the bridge project has been completed.