The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has initiated discussions with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai to tackle the persistent traffic congestion in Malé.
In a recent social media post, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen announced that the meeting with Dubai’s RTA focused on significant discussions regarding the reduction of vehicular congestion in Malé. Minister Ameen revealed that the RTA will provide technological assistance to implement this initiative in the Maldives under an agreed framework between the two parties. He emphasised that the technology and experience of Dubai’s RTA will be instrumental in efforts to alleviate traffic congestion in the city.
According to the Transport Ministry, 69,780 new vehicles have been registered in the past five years, with over 42,000 vehicles registered in Malé alone. The problem of traffic congestion and inadequate parking space has been a long-standing concern for many residents. Despite various attempts by previous governments, a viable solution has yet to be found.
Previously, Minister Ameen disclosed efforts to bring in experts from advanced countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore to comprehensively address the issue within the scope of bilateral relations. This collaboration with Dubai’s RTA marks a significant step towards finding a sustainable solution to Malé’s traffic woes.
The partnership with Dubai’s RTA is expected to leverage their extensive experience and cutting-edge technology to implement effective traffic management systems. These systems may include advanced traffic signal control, intelligent transport systems, and parking management solutions, which have been successfully deployed in Dubai to manage their own traffic challenges.
Residents of Malé have long expressed frustration over the growing traffic congestion, which not only affects daily commutes but also impacts the overall quality of life in the city. The introduction of modern traffic management solutions is anticipated to bring much-needed relief to the city’s streets.
Minister Ameen’s announcement has been met with cautious optimism by the public, who hope that this initiative will finally address the chronic traffic issues that have plagued Malé for years. The collaboration with Dubai’s RTA signifies a proactive approach by the Maldivian government to seek international expertise in resolving domestic challenges.
As discussions progress and plans are formulated, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is expected to provide further updates on the specific measures and timelines for the implementation of the new traffic management systems. The success of this initiative will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders alike, as it holds the potential to significantly improve urban mobility and enhance the living conditions in Malé.
