Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has revealed that the construction of the sea pillars is underway and the Thilamale' Bridge development project is progressing at a fast pace. The fieldwork of the project is ongoing in Male' City. Vilingili and Gulhifalhu.
Speaking to PSM News, Project Manager Mohamed Jinan said that the piling work of eight pillars in the sea is underway for the Thilamale' Bridge development project. He said these include, six pillars located in Villimale' and two pillars in Male'. In addition, dredging is underway in Vilingili. He also said that the main works of the project are currently ongoing at the site in Gulhifalhu where prefabricating for the bridge is taking place and that the superstructure connecting the bridge is underway. He said the vessels needed for the upcoming works will be arriving in the Maldives and the necessary equipment and facilities will be brought on them.
Thilamale’ Bridge is being developed under the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP), contracted to Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited. The planning ministry revealed Thilamale’ Bridge will be completed by the end of next year and connected to Thilafushi in mid-2024 as part of GMCP. The project 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.