Daewoo E&C completes construction of longest sea bridge in India

A bird's-eye view of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link in India, which Daewoo Engineering & Construction (E&C) built in partnership with Tata Projects. [DAEWOO E&C]

Daewoo Engineering & Construction (E&C) has completed the $879 million Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link construction project, now recognized as the longest sea bridge in India.

Daewoo E&C and India's Tata Projects jointly carried out parts of the construction of the 21.8-kilometer (13.5-mile) sea bridge connecting mainland Mumbai and the new satellite city, Navi Mumbai, over about 5 years and 7 months. The deal, worth $879 million, is part of the $2.2 billion Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project — with the Korean builder holding a 60 percent stake in the joint venture with Tata Projects.

The two companies oversaw the design, procurement and project management of a 7.8-kilometer maritime section and an interchange — described as "the most difficult course" of the six-lane expressway bridge, according to Daewoo.

"Despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and India's distinctive monsoon season, the project was completed without any mishaps," the company said.

"The opening of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link has cut down travel time between Mumbai and [New City] Navi Mumbai, reducing it from a two-hour journey to just 30 minutes — which is anticipated to bring an enhancement in the logistics and transportation infrastructure around Navi Mumbai."

Daewoo E&C implemented the Precast Segment Method (PSM) during construction, which involves manufacturing bridge segments of a predetermined length in a factory, transporting them to the site, and connecting them with cranes. This reduced on-site work near Mangrove forests, minimizing damage to Mangroves.

The inauguration ceremony for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link took place on Jan. 12, presided over by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and attended by key figures from the government and local business community.

Also in Mumbai, Samsung Construction & Trade Corporation (C&T) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for the development of a Smart City and Growth Center in the region.

Samsung C&T will provide solutions to address the energy requirements of the Mumbai Metropolitan region, off-site construction technology, internet of things (IoT) and AI.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]