Gov't seeks consultancy for Rasmale’-Male' transport masterplan as dredging nears completion

While President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had announced plans to connect Rasmale’ and Male' via an underwater tunnel, the Ministry of Finance has now invited consultancy firms to prepare a Transport Master Plan and conduct a feasibility study for the project.  

The announcement, made on Monday, states that the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure is seeking consultancy services to develop a comprehensive plan for safe, reliable, and sustainable connectivity between Male' and Rasmale’, as well as within Rasmale’ itself.  

Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating their technical expertise, experience in similar projects, and staff qualifications. The consultant will be selected under the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method outlined in the Public Finance Regulation.  

The Terms of Reference (TOR) will be available on the Ministry’s website from 9 December, and the deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest (EOI) is December 24, at 14:00 hrs.  

The Rasmale’ land reclamation project was inaugurated by President Muizzu on 18 December 2023 as the largest housing initiative in the country. Initially, the President said dredging would be completed within six months, but the work has now extended beyond two years. A world-class dredger has been deployed, and the President recently stated that dredging will be completed by March or April 2026.  

On 22 January 2024, President Muizzu announced that Rasmale’ and Male' would be connected by the world’s first underwater tunnel, designed to offer scenic views beneath the sea. However, in October 2025, Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib said that no existing technology could support such a tunnel in open sea conditions.  

“We are not talking about the kind of infrastructure that has been built in the open sea anywhere in the world at the moment,” Muthalib said. He added that while the vision is ambitious, it will require time, and both financial and technical feasibility must be carefully considered.  

The 2026 national budget, passed by the ruling PNC’s supermajority Parliament, includes MVR 799 million allocated for bridges and tunnels, though no further details have been disclosed about specific projects.