Indian Ambassador to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian has said the Thila-Male’ Bridge work is nearing completion with strong cooperation from the Maldivian government.
The project will connect Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, with highways and other connecting roads being built alongside the bridge. The bridge, causeways and connecting roads will span about 6.7 km. The project is valued at around USD 500 million, comprising a USD 100 million grant and USD 400 million line of credit from India. The Maldivian government is also spending for the project.
The ambassador walked alongside President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as he took the historic walk across the bridge connecting Male’ and Villimale’ on Sunday.
Speaking to the media, Ambassador Balasubramanian said he was pleased to walk across the bridge with the President, and described the bridge as one of India’s largest infrastructure projects outside India. He noted that both India and Maldives are working closely together on the project. He further emphasised the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and especially President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s role in carrying out the project.