Newport based Cintec is working against time to renovate the historic Mangi Bridge in the heart of Delhi to ensure it provides a fitting gateway to the Commonwealth Games.
The nine-arched stone bridge, which connects Salimgarh Fort and the famous Red Fort, in the city centre needs to be structurally strengthened and visually enhanced. It spans the main arterial roads into the city and will form the main entrance to the Games when they open in October.
The contract for the Mangi Bridge is the largest and most prestigious that Cintec has undertaken in India to date, although the company is in negotiations regarding a number of other major contracts.
Cintec has built up a worldwide reputation for its unique anchoring systems used to strengthen and preserve ancient and historically important buildings and bridges around the globe.
The metal anchoring system is installed entirely within the fabric of the structure, leaving no visible change to the outward appearance, making it particularly appropriate for use on heritage structures.
Consignments of specially formulated micro-concrete weighing nearly 10 tonnes, plus the tailor-made anchor bars, have been flown out to Delhi for Cintec's latest project and work began on the weekend under the watchful eye of the Indian Archaeological Society.
"It really is quite an undertaking given the time constraints and the fact that much of the work has to be undertaken while the roads are open to traffic and temperatures are touching 38 degrees out there at the moment," said Cintec Managing Director Peter James.
"The bridge is in need of a considerable makeover to enhance its visual appearance as well as structural strengthening and we're working flat out to ensure it's ready by mid September."
Archtec is a system developed by Cintec specifically for strengthening stone arched bridges to date the company has monitored and analysed 420 bridges worldwide, of which it has strengthened 200.
Cintec has carried out work to numerous archaeological treasures around the world including famous temples.
The company is keen to undertake similar projects in India and met the country's Culture Minister during a trade mission led by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport.
Ieuan Wyn Jones congratulated the company on winning the contract:
"It's great news to hear that a Welsh company with a worldwide reputation for its highly innovative work is carrying out such a high profile project.
I understand that it has received considerable coverage in the Indian press which is helping to raise the profile of Wales internationally."
Peter James added that he discussed bridge strengthening techniques when he met Prince Charles in Cardiff several years ago and the Prince will pass under the strengthened Mangi bridge on his way to open the Commonwealth Games.
Cintec technology is also used to strengthen buildings against seismic shocks from earthquakes as well as potential terrorism attacks. In 2002 the company won the Queen's Award for innovation for its masonry strengthening technology.
The company's head office is in Newport where it develops and manufactures its specialist systems and it has offices in the USA, Canada and India.