High Commissioner: Thilamale’ Bridge among India’s largest projects beyond its borders

Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian stated on Sunday that the Thilamalé Bridge ranks among the largest infrastructure projects undertaken by India beyond its borders, expressing satisfaction that the project is now nearing completion.

The High Commissioner, together with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and several cabinet ministers, inspected the progress of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), which will connect the capital Malé with Villimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. During the visit, the delegation walked across the newly connected section between Malé and Villimalé.

Briefing the press at the project site, the High Commissioner underscored the close cooperation between the Indian and Maldivian governments in advancing the project towards completion.

“The Government of India is working closely with the Government of the Maldives to make this the largest and most significant infrastructure development project completed outside India's borders, and I am pleased to see it becoming a reality,” the High Commissioner said, while expressing his appreciation to President Muizzu and the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The High Commissioner further stated that the bridge would deliver significant benefits to the Maldivian people once it is officially inaugurated.

President Muizzu similarly described the Thilamalé Bridge as a landmark project symbolizing the enduring ties between the Maldives and India. He emphasized that the commitment demonstrated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration had played a key role in facilitating the connection between Malé and Villimalé.

The President described the completion of the bridge as a significant step forward in the development of the Greater Malé Region.

“This progress reflects our priority to advance and conclude such vital projects at an accelerated pace. As you are aware, since the inception of this administration, efforts have been concentrated on expediting major initiatives,” the President stated, referring to the new terminal projects at Velana International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport.

He also reiterated that the government would prioritize the completion of projects that serve as symbols of the bilateral partnership between India and the Maldives.

In a previous appearance on the Public Service Media (PSM) programme 'Nation Chat,' President Muizzu expressed his hope that the entire Thilamalé Bridge project would be completed within approximately one year.

The project was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure in August 2021 and is financed through a USD 400 million loan from India’s EXIM Bank. Physical construction was officially inaugurated on August 2, 2022, by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Solih’s state visit to India.