Top 10 Construction Projects of 2023 and Beyond

Construction is a fundamental aspect of the development of any nation. It is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and improved infrastructure. As urban populations continue to grow, the need for new and improved infrastructure becomes more pressing. Governments and private investors around the world are taking on increasingly ambitious construction projects to address these challenges.

In this post, we will explore the top 10 biggest construction projects happening in the world today. These projects are located in various parts of the world and span multiple industries, including transportation, energy, and infrastructure.

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1. New Suez Canal Expansion, Egypt - $5.5B:

The southernmost 30 km of the canal, is set to be widened 40 metres eastward and deepened to 72 feet from 66 feet. The project was set into motion after the Ever Given got stuck in this difficult section of the Suez Canal for over 4 days, devastating the global supply chain of goods during the height of the 2020 pandemic.

This expansion should improve ship navigation by 28%, preventing future ships from getting stuck. It is set to be finished by July 2023.

2. Grand Paris Express, France - $54.3B:

The Grand Paris Express is a new metro system that will connect major suburbs across the Paris region. This project is redesigning the standard of transit by interconnecting the surrounding Paris metros to each other through a "Polycentric" system rather than having to travel into Paris for every connection. The metro will be mostly below ground and trains are expected to arrive every 3-4 minutes during peak hours.

This project is projected to double the daily ridership of the metro system bringing it upto par with some of the busiest rail systems in the world such as Moscow, New York, and Tokyo.

3. Istanbul New Airport, Turkey - $16.7B:

The Istanbul New Airport is currently the busiest airport in Europe. After completion of this project in 2030, the airport will be able to handle up to 200 million passengers annually, and it is expected to become a major hub for international travel in Europe.

The airport construction will use approximately 350,000t of iron and steel, 10,000t of aluminum, and 415,000m² of glass.

4. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, China:

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is the worlds longest sea bridge, spanning over 34 miles across the Pearl River Delta. The 34 mile includes three cable-stayed bridges and connecting roads across three cities, cutting down the travel time between Hong Kong and Macau/Zhuhai from an hour-long ferry ride to a 40-minute car trip. This infrastructure project is a significant component of the Chinese government's efforts to promote economic and social unity in the Greater Bay Area, which comprises 11 cities in Southern China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

5. Riyadh Metro Project, Saudi Arabia - $22.5B:

The world's biggest public transportation project involves an approximately 109-mile network of railway lines, where electric trains operate without drivers. Additionally, 40% of the railway tracks will be underground, allowing for uninterrupted movement of transportation.

With 6 lines and 84 stations, the metro system will have a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion in Riyadh, where 90% of current trips are dependent on cars.

This project will be led by Bechtel, they will be responsible for the design, construction, signaling, electrification and integration of the lines 1 and 2 into the metro network.

6. Mumbai Coastal Road Project, India - $2.2B:

Upon completion, the ambitious coastal road project will stretch 6.57 miles and feature a 5.28-mile-long and 65.6-foot-wide sea promenade from Priyadarshini Park at Napean Sea Road to the Worli side of the Bandra Worli Sea Link. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is building phase one to speed up the commute to and from South Mumbai.

The project will be completed in two phases, with the second phase connecting the Bandra Sea Link to Kandivali Junction still awaiting construction. Larsen and Toubro will execute Package 1 and 4 of the coastal road, while a joint venture between Hindustan Construction Company (55%) and Hyundai Development Company (45%) will execute Package 2 and 3.

The coastal project will significantly transform the South Mumbai coastline, which has a history of reclamation. Once finished, the road will expand the coast up to 328 feet inside the sea.

7. Al-Masjid al-Haram Mosque Expansion

Project, Mecca, Saudi Arabia - $21.3B:

The Al-Masjid al-Haram Mosque is the holiest site in Islam, and it attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. The expansion project aims to increase the capacity of the mosque to accommodate up to 2.2 million worshippers at any given time. The project will also include the construction of new prayer halls, courtyards, and service facilities.

8. High-Speed Railway (HSR) in California, United States - $100B:

The HSR in California is a 800-mile rail network that will connect major cities across the state. The project is one of the most significant transportation infrastructure projects in the United States and will have a significant impact on travel and economic development in the region.

9. Beijing Daxing International Airport, China - $11.2B:

The Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the largest airport construction projects in the world. The airport is designed to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, and it is expected to become a major hub for international travel in Asia.

10. Crossrail Project (Elizabeth Line) in London, United Kingdom:

The Crossrail Project in London is a 73-mile rail network that will connect major cities across the city. The project is one of the most significant transportation infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom and will have a significant impact on travel and economic development in the region.