Thilamale Bridge: Male’-Vilimale’ to be linked by end of next year

Infrastructure Ministry states Male’ and Vilimale’ will be linked via Thilamale’ Bridge by December 31^st of next year.

At a press conference held by the Infrastructure Ministry on Thursday, Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib disclosed the dates of completion for segments under the Thimale’ Bridge project. In this regard, Male’ and Vilimale’ segment is to be completed by December 31^st, 2025, while Male’ and Gulhifalhu segment is to be completed by March 31, 2026. The project, in its entirety, must be completed by September 30, 2016, said the Minister.

“I, nor the Ministry, have any concerns regarding how the project is proceeding including quality and other factors. The President also said he is content following his visit to the bridge construction site during which he inspected the progress and inquired information regarding the works,” he said.

Speaking further regarding Thilamale’ Bridge project, the Minister cited the most important work pending as arranging the fundings for the contractor, adding the price of the project will be known once the contractor submits the proposal.

Thilamale’ Bridge project, linking Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, is one of the biggest projects initiated by the former administration. It is financed under an Indian grant of USD 100 million and a USD 400 concessional credit line from India’s Exim Bank.  The project was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure in August 2021.

The former administration was highly criticized for the slow progress of the project. Only 29 percent of the project had been completed when the new administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November last year.

However, the Infrastructure Ministry, on Thursday, reported that 38.88 percent of the project is now complete. As per the Ministry, the specific segments will be opened for public use upon completion.