Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has revealed that the piling work for seven road pillars of the Thilamale’ Bridge is underway in Villimale'.
The planning ministry said that the work on the bridge pillars is currently at a fast pace. The work of three pillars on the road has been completed and the piling work of two other pillars on the sea is underway. Of these, the piling work of one of the pillars has been completed and work on the second pillar has begun. In addition, the piling work of six more pillars has also begun.
Speaking to PSM News, Project Manager Mohamed Jinan said that the construction of the temporary access bridge platform is currently underway. He said that work on road pillars has also begun. In addition, he said the dredging work for the bridge is also nearing completion. The piling work is also underway for the road pillars in Male' and Villimale'. He also said the bridge will be connected as soon as the work is completed.
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.