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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that physical work on the Thilamalé Bridge project essentially had to be restarted from scratch under his administration, adding that construction is now moving at an accelerated pace to complete the connection soon.
News Desk
The greater Male' connectivity bridge - Photo: Sun Siyam Media
MALÉ: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that physical construction on the Thilamalé Bridge project effectively had to be started from zero by the current administration, but confirmed that work is now moving at a fast pace toward completion.
Speaking during the sixth episode of the official podcast series “The Pulse”, President Muizzu explained that despite the project being launched by the previous administration, major physical works—such as installing bridge pillars between Malé and Vilimalé—had not been executed.
President Muizzu highlighted that close cooperation with the Indian government has helped resolve prior delays and accelerate physical work on the bridge:
Malé–Vilimalé Section: The bridge structure connecting Malé and Vilimalé is now largely connected.
Further Outer Links: Active construction is simultaneously ongoing for the segments linking Vilimalé to Gulhifalhu and Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi.
The President affirmed that completing the bridge remains a top priority for the government, adding that specific completion timelines and technical updates will be announced continuously by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.
Contracted to India’s Afcons Infrastructure in 2022, the 6.7-kilometer Greater Malé Connectivity Project is the largest infrastructure undertaking currently underway in the capital region:
Overall Completion: According to the Housing Ministry, the project has reached 74.90% overall completion.
Segment Casting & Installation: 90.4% of the required 1,222 bridge deck segments have been cast, with 72.9% already installed.
Current Focus: Active work centers on installing deck segments, connecting the bridge center, constructing link roads in Gulhifalhu, and revetment work in Thilafushi.
Project Financing: The total estimated cost of $500 million (over MVR 7 billion) is funded through a $100 million grant and a $400 million Line of Credit from the Government of India.
The administration aims to complete the entire bridge network by the end of next year.
