The survey between Male' and Villimale' for the Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge Project (GMCP) has concluded.
Speaking to PSM News, Project Manager of GMCP Mohamed Jinan said the survey between Male' and Vilimale' has now been completed. He said samples have also been taken to drill boreholes and that a survey is currently underway between Vilimale' and Gulhifalhu.
Speaking about the most important infrastructure development undertaken by the administration, Jinan said surveys and site studies are currently ongoing before the start of construction. As such, he noted the platforms currently established along the proposed route of the bridge are part of the geotechnical surveys conducted to assess ground conditions. He stated construction of the foundation will begin around July, noting the construction will begin from the link near Male’.
The jack-up barge used for hydrographic and geotechnical surveys of the project arrived in the Maldives in April. The barge will also be used during the construction of the bridge, for the operation of certain equipment and machinery.
Thilamale’ Bridge is developed under the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP), contracted to Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited. The project scope includes the construction of three navigation bridges, viaducts, and on-grade roads, linking Male’, Villimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone. The project is funded through a USD400 million line of credit from Indian Exim Bank and a USD100 million grant from the Government of India.