Workers have begun marine piling works to install pillars of the Thilamale' Bridge between Male' City and Villimale'.
The construction of the bridge is underway with workers making pre-casts of various components and building the main deck. The High Commission of India stated that work on the superstructures have begun along with the marine piling works using the two jackup platforms near Male' and Villimale'.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure stated that the bridge will first connect Male' City to Villimale' and then Villimale' to Gulhifalhu and that the current work consists of building the main deck. The planning ministry stated that the bridge construction is progressing as scheduled, despite setbacks. The marine pillars that have already been installed are visible at sea.
Thilamale’ Bridge is being developed under the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP), contracted to Indian-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited. The planning ministry revealed Thilamale’ Bridge will be completed by the end of next year and connected to Thilafushi in mid-2024 as part of GMCP. 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 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.