Thilamale’ Bridge to Feature Record-Breaking Precast Segments
Photo: HCIMaldives
The Indian High Commission in Maldives has disclosed that sections of the Thilamale’ Bridge will be the tallest precast segments ever constructed globally.
Greater Male Connectivity Project Update#GMCP’s Bridge to get World’s tallest precast segments – 8.177m in Long Line casting method, being produced at Gulhifalhu.#GMCP consists of 3️⃣ bridges, 3️⃣ causeways & a road network of 6️⃣6️⃣9️⃣5️⃣m.
🇮🇳🇲🇻Partners in Progress!! pic.twitter.com/9dUDDYLuxV— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) July 8, 2023advertisement
Through a tweet detailing the ongoing progress of the bridge project, the commission conveyed that the superstructure sections of the Thilamale’ Bridge, presently under construction at Gulhifalhu, will reach an impressive height of 8.177 meters.
The precasting technique involves fabricating all components of the bridge in a different location and subsequently transporting them to the construction site. More than 1,200 precast segments will be used to construct the superstructure of the Thilamale’ Bridge. Previously, during the construction of the Hulhumale’ Bridge, these parts were sourced from China. However, this time around, the precast segments are being produced in the Gulhifalhu.
Thilamale’ Bridge, consisting of three bridges, three causeways, and a 6.695-kilometer road network, aims to connect Villingili, Thilafushi, Gulhifalhu, and Male’. India’s Afcons company has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing the bridge.
Financed through a loan from India, the project has a total cost of $500 million (equivalent to MVR 7.7 billion). The funding comprises a $400 million line of credit extended by the Exim Bank of India, along with an additional $100 million provided as free aid by the Government of India.
Acknowledging concerns over the pace of construction, the government has openly acknowledged the relatively slow progress. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reassured the public that the bridge will be completed by the following year.
