+
Japan's Cutting-Edge Technology Powers India's Longest Sea Bridge
Technology

Japan's Cutting-Edge Technology Powers India's Longest Sea Bridge

In a groundbreaking feat of engineering prowess, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) has emerged as India's longest sea bridge, spanning an impressive 22 kilometers. Completed in under six years, the project stands as one of the most complex mega infrastructure undertakings in the country, seamlessly blending Indian ambition with cutting-edge Japanese construction technology.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) played a pivotal role in the realization of this ambitious project, serving as the principal financier. JICA's involvement went beyond mere financial support; it introduced the Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) technology, a game-changer that significantly expedited the bridge's completion.

SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, revealed, "We also made quite important proposals in terms of the bridge?s design. The Indian government?s original idea was construction through simple PC (Prestressed Concrete) girder bridges. JICA proposed more advanced Japanese girder technology which is robust, resilient enough, light in terms of weight, span is long and you can reduce the number of pillars and shorten construction time.?

Initially planned as a public-private partnership, the project's trajectory took a turn when this approach faced obstacles. JICA stepped in, advising the Government of India and the Maharashtra state government to adopt the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, coupled with funding from JICA in the form of an Official Development Loan. This shift not only streamlined the process but also integrated advanced Japanese technology into the project.

The OSD technology, championed by JICA, proved to be a game-changer. Compared to conventional concrete or composite girder bridges, OSD bridges boast a lighter self-weight and a stronger structure. This results in the need for fewer and smaller piers, ultimately shortening the construction timeline and minimizing environmental and ecosystem impact. The OSDs were manufactured by Japan?s IHI Infrastructure System, a subsidiary of IHI Corporation, a heavy-industry manufacturer. These components were then assembled at the project site, with a maximum length of 180 meters and a weight reaching around 2,600 metric tonnes.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link stands not just as a testament to India's infrastructural ambitions but also as a showcase of the synergy between global expertise and local aspirations. With JICA's financial support and innovative technology, the bridge not only connects Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but also establishes a new paradigm for future infrastructure projects in India.

In a groundbreaking feat of engineering prowess, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) has emerged as India's longest sea bridge, spanning an impressive 22 kilometers. Completed in under six years, the project stands as one of the most complex mega infrastructure undertakings in the country, seamlessly blending Indian ambition with cutting-edge Japanese construction technology. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) played a pivotal role in the realization of this ambitious project, serving as the principal financier. JICA's involvement went beyond mere financial support; it introduced the Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) technology, a game-changer that significantly expedited the bridge's completion. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, revealed, We also made quite important proposals in terms of the bridge?s design. The Indian government?s original idea was construction through simple PC (Prestressed Concrete) girder bridges. JICA proposed more advanced Japanese girder technology which is robust, resilient enough, light in terms of weight, span is long and you can reduce the number of pillars and shorten construction time.? Initially planned as a public-private partnership, the project's trajectory took a turn when this approach faced obstacles. JICA stepped in, advising the Government of India and the Maharashtra state government to adopt the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, coupled with funding from JICA in the form of an Official Development Loan. This shift not only streamlined the process but also integrated advanced Japanese technology into the project. The OSD technology, championed by JICA, proved to be a game-changer. Compared to conventional concrete or composite girder bridges, OSD bridges boast a lighter self-weight and a stronger structure. This results in the need for fewer and smaller piers, ultimately shortening the construction timeline and minimizing environmental and ecosystem impact. The OSDs were manufactured by Japan?s IHI Infrastructure System, a subsidiary of IHI Corporation, a heavy-industry manufacturer. These components were then assembled at the project site, with a maximum length of 180 meters and a weight reaching around 2,600 metric tonnes. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link stands not just as a testament to India's infrastructural ambitions but also as a showcase of the synergy between global expertise and local aspirations. With JICA's financial support and innovative technology, the bridge not only connects Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but also establishes a new paradigm for future infrastructure projects in India.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Jupiter Opens First EV Showroom in Hyderabad

Jupiter Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd (JEM), the electric commercial vehicle arm of Jupiter Wagons Ltd, has inaugurated its first showroom in New Bowenpally, Secunderabad, Hyderabad. The launch also marks the introduction of its 1.05-tonne four-wheeler electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), JEM TEZ, to Telangana’s growing logistics and intra-city freight market. This expansion underscores JEM’s commitment to delivering purpose-built sustainable mobility solutions and accelerating the electrification of India’s logistics sector.The new showroom, operated by Arven Motors Pvt Ltd, offers cus..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Premier Energies Launches 620W DCR Solar Modules in India

Premier Energies Limited, one of India’s largest integrated solar manufacturers, has launched its next-generation 620W DCR solar modules using G12R TOPCon technology, now among the most powerful large-format panels available in the country.The new modules, built with Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) architecture, deliver superior power density, improved temperature coefficients, and enhanced low-light performance. The rectangular G12R N-type cell design enables higher string power and balance-of-system optimisation, making the panels suitable for utility-scale projects as well as com..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ONGC Starts Gas Sales from Rajasthan Chinnewala Tibba Block

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has commenced natural gas sales from the Discovered Small Field (DSF-II) Block RJ/ONDSF/Chinnewala/2018, marking the successful monetisation of the Chinnewala Tibba field in the Rajasthan Kutch Onland Exploratory Asset (RKOEA). Gas sales officially began on 25 August 2025.This development highlights ONGC’s commitment to boosting domestic energy production and strengthening India’s energy security under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Located in western Rajasthan, close to the Indo-Pakistan border, the Chinnewala Tibb..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?