Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has signed an agreement with India-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited for the development of the bridge under the Greater Male' Connectivity Project (GMCP). The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary Zeeniya Ahmed and Director of Afcons Infrastructure R. Ananta Kumar.
Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer and High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir also attended the ceremony. As part of the agreement, Afcons Infrastructure is tasked with bridging the link between Male' and Thilafushi. The area is a 6.7 kilomtere sea crossing link from the southwest corner of Male', running adjacent to the south shore of Villingili, then along the southern periphery of the reclaimed island of Gulhifalhu and terminating on the reclaimed island of Thilafushi.
The project scope includes the construction of three navigation bridges, viaducts, and on-grade roads. The project is funded through a USD 400 million line of credit from Indian EXIM Bank and by a USD 100 million grant from the Government of India.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone.
The bridge and causeway link is also essential for the development of the proposed Gulhifalhu Port, also financed by the Exim Bank of India.