Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced plans to close the Gulhifalhu-Thilafushi channel from December 5 onwards, as preparations are underway to develop the pillars of the Thilamale' Bridge in that region.
The ministry stated that the works related to the development of the pillars are scheduled to start on December 5. Hence, the channel will be temporarily closed, and the ministry has requested seafarers to refrain to travel through the channel. Additionally, the ministry urged travellers to prevent using routes within the Male'-Vilimale' channel, as well as the Gulhifalhu-Thilamale' channel, as they were also closed for the development of the bridge.
Furthermore, the ministry revealed that 45.82% of the entire project has been completed as of October 15, with a targeted completion date for the development of the bridge connecting Male' and Gulhifalhu set as March 31, 2026. The overall project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2026, though the government aims to finish it by late 2025 or early 2026. The 6.7 km bridge, which will connect four regions, has a budget exceeding USD 454 million.