Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has revealed the concrete work of the test pile for the marine pillars for the Thilamale' Bridge has commenced. The planning ministry conducted pile testing for the permanent pillars of the Thilamale' Bridge in October.
Speaking to PSM news, Project Manager Mohamed Jinan, who is in charge of the project on behalf of the planning ministry said the first concrete work will be done on the marine pillars on the Male' side and similar pillars will be installed in Villimale' and Gulhifalhu end. He said next will be concreting the pillars, adding the final preparation are underway to begin the work of the permanent pillars. The permanent pillars will be installed once the test piling of the two pillars is completed. The ministry also noted the test piling is currently underway to finalise the design of pillars.
Thilamale’ Bridge is being developed under the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP), contracted to Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited. Some challenges were faced due to bad weather, after the bridge platform ran aground on Villimale’ on August 16 which caused damage to the reef after its anchor became embedded in the sea floor. However, Afcons assured no delays will be caused due to the matter.
The planning ministry revealed Thilamale’ Bridge will be completed by the end of next year and connected to Thilafushi in 2024. The bridge consists of three bridges, a causeway, and a road network spanning over 6.7km. The project will also see the development of interchange points and parking zones at each connection stop.
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 the Indian Exim Bank and by a USD100 million grant from the government of India.