The High Commission of India in the Maldives states the Exim Bank of India has commenced the prequalification of contractors for the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, with the project expected to be contracted by the Government of the Maldives in July.
In a press statement released to provide an update on the project, the Indian high commission noted the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is one of the 8 mega infrastructure projects financed under the USD 800 million Line of Credit facility extended by the Exim Bank of India to the Government of the Maldives. The high commission noted the consultant for the project, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), had prepared and submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project in February. The high commission stated the DPR was funded by a grant of approximately USD 750,000 by the Government of India, adding the DPR has been vetted by the Government of the Maldives.
In the statement, the Indian high commission revealed the Exim Bank of India is undertaking a pre-qualification process for Indian companies with the technical expertise, the financial strength and the prior experience to execute the project. The high commission stated the pre-qualification process will be completed by end of May 2021, after which the Government of the Maldives will commence a tender process for the selected companies to enter into competitive bidding. The high commission revealed the contract is expected to be awarded by July 2021, with the project execution likely to take 2 years.
The project to redevelop Hanimaadhoo lnternational Airport includes major infrastructure and operational upgradation in the airside, landside and building infrastructure to meet the future growth of traffic to the Maldives. The project is expected to cost above USD 85 million.