Trimble, a global leader in construction technology, today highlighted the successful use of its Tekla software by Afcons Infrastructure Limited in delivering one of the most complex marine infrastructure projects in the region the Greater Malé Connectivity Project in the Maldives.
The 6.74-kilometre bridge and causeway network, which connects Malé with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, is India’s largest infrastructure initiative in the Maldives. Executed by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the project features the world’s tallest precast navigation span segment, measuring 8.23 metres in depth, 25.73 metres in width and weighing approximately 216 metric tonnes.
Constructing a bridge of this scale across the Indian Ocean presented significant engineering challenges, including deep water, strong currents, high waves, corrosive marine conditions and complex erection sequences. Delivering such a project required precise planning, detailed structural coordination and accurate execution throughout every stage of construction.
Afcons leveraged Trimble’s Tekla Structures to create highly detailed 3D models that supported design coordination, fabrication and construction planning. The software enabled the project team to accurately determine the centre of gravity for structural components, helping improve lifting accuracy and safety during the erection of heavy precast segments. Automated detailing, clash detection, quantity extraction and drawing generation also helped streamline engineering workflows while reducing manual effort and improving project coordination.
Commenting on the project, Harsh Pareek, Vice President, Direct Sales – AECO, Trimble, said, “Infrastructure projects today demand greater precision than ever before. This project demonstrates how connected digital workflows can help engineering teams confidently execute even the most complex marine structures. We’re proud that Tekla played a role in supporting Afcons as they achieved this remarkable engineering milestone over the Indian Ocean.”
Speaking about the project, Yallappa Sonavane, Assistant Manager – Design (Draughtsman), Afcons Infrastructure Limited, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Trimble on this landmark project. Tekla software is a powerful tool used during the erection phase of construction to determine and utilise the center of gravity (COG) for various structural elements. By providing precise COG data, Tekla improved the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of lifting and installation operations. This achievement reinforces the importance of digital engineering in delivering complex infrastructure projects with confidence.”
The project also benefited from Tekla’s advanced modelling capabilities to manage complex structural geometries, automate repetitive detailing tasks, generate fabrication drawings and extract accurate reports directly from the 3D model. These capabilities enabled faster engineering workflows while maintaining the precision required for one of the world’s most challenging marine bridge projects.
The successful delivery of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project reinforces the growing role of digital construction technologies in enabling complex infrastructure projects across the region.