Hulhumale' is being developed as a modern city that would cater to the greater Male' demographic. With every upgrade in the youth city, comes an influx of commuters. Hulhumale' is a city which has been prioritised for development by the government of Maldives.
Boasting a population that nears 50,000, the number of people who travel to Hulhumale' during the weekend for various purposes has increased manifold. Visitors to Hulhumale' flock, not only to the barbecue area and eateries, they also source increase in sales at guest houses and the cinema. On such days, provision of ferry service to cater to the high demand had been impossible.
Until recently, waiting in long queues to board a ferry, was a burden many were willing to take just for a weekend away from the clamour of Male' City. The ferry was the only means through which a motorcycle could be taken to Hulhumale'. Until recently, regardless of wind or rain, the 20 minute commute on the ferry was the only means of transportation between the two islands.
The ferry service is not without glitches. Some unfortunate events have also occurred in the waters between Male' and Hulhumale'. However, all this is expected to be stories of yesteryears, in the wake of the revolutionary change set in motion by the government to the transportation system in the greater Male' region.
The Sina-Male' Bridge which was inaugurated on August 30, has enabled people who commute to Male' for work, to head straight from home to the desired destination, in contrast to the long hours spent in the ferry queue early in the morning. With the number of people travelling between Male' and Hulhumale' on the rise, the Sina-Male' bridge has swiftly merged the two cities.