Raising the world’s tallest precast navigation span: Afcons delivers engineering breakthrough over the Indian Ocean on Tekla Structures

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. is a major Indian engineering and construction (EPC) company specializing in complex, high-value projects in sectors like marine, urban infrastructure (metro and bridges), oil & gas and hydro & underground. As part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Afcons executes challenging projects domestically and internationally, with a strong track record in constructing high-profile infrastructure, including India’s first undersea tunnel and numerous bridges and metro lines. The company is recognized globally for its expertise in marine and bridge construction and holds a significant presence in more than 25 countries.

Afcons used Tekla Structures BIM software to engineer the world's tallest precast navigation span segment for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project—a 6.74 km sea bridge linking Maldives islands across the Indian Ocean. The record-breaking precast segment measures 8.23m deep, 25.73m wide and weighs 216 metric tons, lifted 11.8 meters over open ocean. Tekla Structures 3D modeling, clash detection, center-of-gravity calculations and automated material take-offs enabled precise construction sequencing in extreme marine conditions.

The result: safer lifting operations, reduced waste, faster drawing production and seamless BIM-based workflows for complex marine infrastructure construction.