Survey on imposing bridge toll fee to begin next month

A survey will be initiated next month regarding imposing a toll fee for the use of the Sinamale’ Bridge and Hulhumale’ Highway, according to the Transport Ministry.

The announcement was made on Wednesday night during the launch of the ‘Male’ Fahi’ program.

In a presentation detailing the ‘Male’ Fahi’ program and other upcoming initiatives, the Transport Ministry said the survey was being conducted with the aim of managing the Sinamale’ Bridge and Hulhumale’ Highway in a sustainable manner.

It said the toll fee will be decided following discussions with all relevant authorities.

“…Following discussions with relevant state authorities regarding the sustainable management of the bridge and highway, surveys will begin in August regarding establishing a system where a toll fee is set and implemented,” said the ministry.

As part of the ‘Male’ Fahi’ program, the Male’ City Council has initiated efforts to set a limit on vehicle registrations and the duration of usage. The Transport Ministry is also working on replacing the metric system used to manage registration data and improving the online system.

The ministry said it will also initiate efforts in September to resolve the issue of illegal registration of vehicles at garages and to improve the policy on issuance of vehicle license.

The ‘Male’ Fahi’ program is aimed at decongesting the populous Maldivian capital.

As part of efforts to decongest the roads of Male’, authorities have been towing and disposing of abandoned vehicles.