Development

Bridge will have electronic toll system, says Dr. Muizzu

Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure on Thursday decided to design an electronic toll system to monitor vehicles using the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the ministry had hired CCCC Second Harbour Engineering to design the system. The Chinese company is also the contractor of the bridge project.

The electronic toll system would ease the traffic flow on the bridge, Dr. Muizzu said.

Speaking about the construction of the bridge, Dr. Muizzu said that “work on the 36 piled foundations are nearing completion, and the foundation piling work is expected to be completed on schedule.”

It will cost approximately US$210 million, of which 94% is provided by the Chinese government, which includes a grant aid of US$124 million and a soft loan of US$73.4 million. The remaining US$12.6 million was provided by the Maldivian Government.

The Government aims to inaugurate the bridge on July 26, 2018.