Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohammed Aslam has stated that the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP) project is progressing without interruption despite delays.
Responding to questions at the Parliament, Minister Aslam noted that there has been some delays based on the contractor’s work schedule but that the government has no intention of extending the deadline. He said that the workers are currently preparing to connect extensions to Gulhifalhu and that the bridge is being constructed without a temporary platform, which will allow the work to progress faster.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. The project is funded through a USD400 million Line of Credit from the Indian Exim Bank and by a USD100 million grant from the government of India.
The GMCP is contracted to Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited. The project consists of three bridges, a causeway, and a road network spanning over 6.7km. The project will also see the development of interchange points and parking zones at each connection stop. The bridges are scheduled to be completed in mid-2024.