World’s tallest precast structure installed in Maldives

Indian-funded project to connect key islands, with completion set for September 2026.

MALÉ, Maldives (MNTV) — The world’s tallest precast navigation span structure has been installed as part of the Thilamalé bridge project, which will connect the Maldivian capital, Malé, with the nearby islands of Villimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

Once completed, the 6.7-kilometer bridge will enhance connectivity between these islands, which are vital for residential, commercial, and industrial activities.

The Indian High Commission in the Maldives announced on X that the bridge’s precast navigation span segment is the tallest of its kind globally, using the long line method.

Published images show ‘V’-shaped structures on the bridge’s superstructure being assembled.

The segment measures 8.23 meters in length, 25.37 meters in width, and weighs 216.04 metric tons, according to the High Commission.

Precasting involves fabricating bridge components off-site before transporting and assembling them at the construction location.

Unlike the Sinamalé Bridge—whose segments were imported from China—this project’s components are being produced in Gulhifalhu.

Spanning 6.7 kilometers, the Thilamalé bridge will feature a network of three bridges, causeways, and roads, with interchange points and parking facilities on each island.

The project is being developed with $500 million in Indian financial assistance—$400 million via an Exim Bank of India credit line and $100 million in grant aid from the Indian government.

According to local reports, approximately 40% of the bridge has been completed.

The Maldivian Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure has set a completion target of September 30, 2026.