Male’ traffic congestion leaves just 18% of pedestrian space

A survey shows the Maldivian capital faces severe vehicular congestion, leaving just 18 percent of road space for pedestrians, says Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.

Male’ City, home to some 200,000 people, faces severe vehicular congestion, with large vehicles parked along the sides of many of the main roads, leaving limited space for pedestrians to maneuver.

Saeed highlighted on this issue during a press briefing on Wednesday at the President’s Office.

“Based on the number of vehicles imported into Male’ right now, surveys show they is only around 18 percent of space for pedestrians,” he told reporters, adding that Male’ has become the most heavily congested city in the world.

Saeed said that the serious traffic issues facing Male’ is not something a single ministry alone can resolve, and requires collective effort.

He added that no family will be left behind in the government’s efforts to make Male’ a safe and peaceful place to live in.

A 2025 survey by the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) shows the greater Male’ area has an excess of over 30,000 vehicles beyond the recommended vehicle carrying capacity.

The recommended capacity is 89,413, but the capital has 119,472 vehicles – making for an access of 30,059 vehicles.