Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has revealed that the construction of the deck of the Thilamale’ Bridge is underway from the side of Male' City.
Speaking to PSM News, Project Manager Mohamed Jinan said that different parts of the project are in various stages of progress and that workers have begun constructing the bridge deck from the Male’ side after completing the construction of the land pillars. He added that the construction of the bridge deck will coincide with the construction of the pillars. He said that the bridge deck and land pillars are being constructed at the project site in Gulhifalhu while sea pillars are being constructed near Male’. He added that land is also being reclaimed at the site in Villimale’ and a platform will be built to begin the construction of the pillars.
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 Thilafushi. 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.