Thilamale’ bridge project 60 percent complete as piling works conclude

Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib has revealed that 60 percent of Thilamale’ Bridge, linking Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, has been completed with the conclusion of piling works under the project.

Muthalib, via a post on X on Tuesday morning, said piling works, marking the most challenging phase of the project, has successfully been completed. In this regard, he detailed that a total of 263 piles were installed across 68 onshore and offshore locations.

With this milestone, he said 60.84 percent of Thilamale’ bridge is now complete.

The piling work for the Thilamale Bridge has been successfully completed, marking the most challenging phase of the project. A total of 263 piles were installed across 68 onshore and offshore locations. With this milestone achieved, the project has now reached 60.84% completion.… pic.twitter.com/GlxUPs3IkZ

— Abdulla Muththalib (@muththo) July 1, 2025

Thilamale’ Bridge project, linking Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, is one of the biggest projects initiated by the former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s 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 bridge will feature the tallest precast segments to be produced in the world at 8.2 meters.

The initial deadline to complete Thilamale’ Bridge was set for last year. The project was nowhere near completion by the date. Subsequently, Solih’s administration announced revised deadlines on multiple occasions. During its last days, the administration executed a supplementary agreement extending the deadline of the project to next year.

Solih, and now, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu have faced strong criticism over delays in the Thilamale’ Bridge project. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom—under whose administration the Sinamale’ Bridge project was implemented—has voiced skepticism about whether the project can be completed within the current presidential term.

In this regard, Yameen said the additional time incurred for the project would also result in additional costs, which he described as a “scam”.