President: Thilamale’ bridge reflects the govt’s commitment to expediting projects

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Sunday, stated that the progress of the Thilamalé Bridge project, which will connect the capital Malé with Villimalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu, reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing and expediting the completion of major infrastructure projects.

The President, accompanied by Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, other cabinet ministers, and Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian, visited the project site on Sunday to inspect the ongoing construction works. 

Speaking to the press during the visit, President Muizzu described the Thilamalé Bridge as a landmark project representing the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and India. He noted that the priority accorded to the project by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration had enabled the successful connection of Malé and Villimalé.

The President described the bridge's completion as a major milestone in the development of the Greater Malé Region.

“This progress reflects our priority to advance and conclude such vital projects at an accelerated pace. As you are aware, since the inception of this administration, efforts have been concentrated on expediting major initiatives,” the President stated, referring to the new terminal projects at Velana International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport.

He further assured that the government would give particular attention to completing projects that serve as symbols of the bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives.

During a previous appearance on the Public Service Media (PSM) programme 'Nation Chat,' President Muizzu said he hoped to see the entire bridge project completed within approximately one year. He also noted that the Infrastructure Ministry is closely monitoring the project under the direct supervision of the Minister.

The Thilamalé Bridge project, which was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure during former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, experienced substantial delays despite several revised completion deadlines. The current administration has since undertaken efforts to restore momentum to the project.

Afcons Infrastructure was awarded the project in August 2021, with financing provided through a USD 400 million loan from India’s EXIM Bank. Physical construction works were officially inaugurated on August 2, 2022, by then-President Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Solih’s state visit to India.

President Muizzu assumed office with a pledge to review the project’s status within his first 100 days in office. Shortly after his inauguration, he visited the project site during his first week in office to personally assess its progress.

The previous administration had initially targeted completion of the project by mid-2024, with the Malé-Villimalé link expected to be completed by 2023. However, neither deadline was achieved.