The ThilaMale’ Bridge project, part of the Greater Male’ Connectivity initiative, has made notable progress, with 43.59% of construction completed, according to the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure. This megaproject, designed to link Male’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi through a 6.7-kilometer bridge, is being touted as a transformative infrastructure development for the Maldives.
Maldives Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, recently travelled to India to participate in a crucial meeting concerning the progress of the ThilaMale Bridge project. The 12th Joint Project Monitoring Committee meeting in Mumbai focused on evaluating the current status of the landmark Greater Male Connectivity Project, commonly known as the ThilaMale Bridge, and devising strategies for its future development.
Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Munu Mahawar chaired the meeting, which brought together officials from both countries, including representatives from India’s EXIM Bank, consultants, contractors, and Maldivian delegates. Deliberations primarily revolved around ensuring the project stays on track and addressing any technical challenges it may encounter as it advances towards completion.
Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr.Abdulla Muththalib, on his official visit to India, Mumbai, co-chaired the 12th Joint Project Monitoring Committee meeting with co-chair High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar for the Greater Male… pic.twitter.com/F02qXWKGZG
— Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure (@MoCImv) September 10, 2024
Accompanying Minister Muththalib were State Ministers Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed and Ismail Hameed, along with senior representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs. Progress reports were reviewed, and plans were discussed to ensure the timely delivery of the project.
As part of his visit, Minister Muththalib also toured the Adit Tunnel site in Mumbai, which is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, emphasising an interest in exploring cutting-edge engineering techniques that could potentially benefit future infrastructure initiatives in the Maldives.
A site visit took place today to the Adit Tunnel in Mumbai, the commencement point of the 7.1 km underwater tunnel for the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail. Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib was joined by H.E. Munu Mahawar, Minister of State Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed, and Minister of… pic.twitter.com/pZGB3wjQ07
— Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure (@MoCImv) September 10, 2024
According to the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, the section of the bridge linking Male’ to Gulhifalhu is anticipated to be finalised by March 2026, while the Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi section is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The ThilaMale Bridge is a vital infrastructure undertaking to improve connectivity between Male’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi islands. Once finished, the 6.7 km bridge will include:
– A dual two-lane highway.
– A pedestrian and cycling lane.
– A utility corridor for essential services such as electricity and data lines.
The total project cost is estimated at USD 500 million, funded by a USD 400 million line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank and a USD 100 million grant from the Government of India. This ambitious project is projected to significantly impact transportation, economic development, and bilateral relations between India and the Maldives.
