The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has revealed that 52% of the Thilamale Bridge project, which is being built with Indian assistance to connect Male’, Vilimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, has been completed.
According to the ministry, four areas have now been connected under the bridge work. They also stated that $251,563,940.20 has been spent on developing the bridge so far.
The Thilamale Bridge project, the largest infrastructure development project of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government, was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021.
However, by the end of Solih’s presidency, not even half of the project had been completed.
According to the project information sheet, this 6.7 km long bridge/causeway link will include three navigation bridges of 140 meters between the two islands over the sea. It will also include a 1.45 km marine viaduct in deep lagoons, a 2.32 km marine viaduct in the sea/beach area, and a 2.96 km at-grade road.
The Thilamale Bridge project mainly consists of three bridges:
– Bridge connecting Male’ and Vilimale’
– Bridge connecting Vilimale’ and Gulhifalhu
– Bridge connecting Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi
– A ramp will be built in Vilimale’ for vehicle traffic
– A road will be built in Gulhifalhu for vehicle traffic
– Parts of Vilimale’ and Thilafushi are planned to be reclaimed
The project costs $500 million (7.7 billion rufiyaa), with India providing a loan of $400 million for the bridge project. India also provided a grant of $100 million for the project.
