President: Hoping to see Thilamale’ bridge completed within a year

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Thursday night, that he expects the Thilamale Bridge, which will connect Malé, Villimalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu, to be completed approximately within a year.

Speaking on PSM’s 'Nation Chat' program, President Muizzu, citing the project had begun in August 2021, said the current administration assumed responsibility for it more than two years after its commencement. He added that during his first meeting with the Prime Minister of India, he made a firm commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the bridge project.

The President also said that, following his proposal, a high-level bilateral committee was established to monitor the project’s progress.

"I proposed the formation of a high-level committee to manage this project [Thilamale’ Bridge] and other significant matters. The high-level committee was formed as a result of this, effectively commencing many works. From day one, this administration's Infrastructure Ministry has prioritized this project," the President remarked.

He stressed that the whole Infrastructure Ministry, including the Minister and relevant staff, is closely monitoring the project’s progress. Citing his experience overseeing the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, during which he conducted weekly visits to the project site, President Muizzu said he wants the Thilamale Bridge to receive a similarly high level of supervision.

President Muizzu said substantial progress has been achieved since the current administration assumed office, including the effective establishment of a physical connection between Malé and Villimalé.

"The section extending from Villimalé is also largely complete. While I cannot provide an exact date, I remain hopeful that the entire bridge project, reaching all the way to Thilafushi, will be fully completed within about a year, during 2027," he stated.

The Thilamale Bridge project was awarded to India-based Afcons in August 2021 and is being financed through a USD 400 million loan from the EXIM Bank of India. Physical construction work was officially inaugurated on August 2, 2022, by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mr. Solih’s visit to India.

The final superstructure segment linking Malé and Villimalé was successfully installed last Saturday, creating a physical connection between the two islands.