The asphalt paving of Malé’s local market area, a central element of the second phase of the 'Boduthakurufaanu Magu' development project, has been completed in advance of the Ramadan deadline. Following the overnight application of asphalt, the thoroughfare is scheduled to reopen to general traffic in the coming week.
The roadworks, which began in mid‑December, were undertaken in fulfilment of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to modernise the local market area before the onset of the holy month. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is carrying out the works as part of the project’s second phase, which extends from the Local Market to the North Harbour. A 260‑metre stretch has now been paved, marking a significant milestone in the broader scheme.
Structural improvements include the seaward expansion of the harbour’s quay wall by approximately six metres, producing a widened roadway of 14 metres that accommodates four traffic lanes. In parallel, the 260‑metre quay wall within the local market area has been comprehensively redeveloped.
The area, home to the Local Market, Fish Market, and Travellers’ Market, functions as a primary logistical hub for cargo vessels bound for the atolls and for fishing boats. It is widely regarded as the most congested area in Malé. Upon completion, the enhanced infrastructure is expected to streamline operations and ease the area’s chronic traffic congestion.
With the principal paving concluded, the remaining works involve the painting of traffic markings, the installation of signage, and final adjustments to the utility network. This stage builds on the project’s initial phase, during which a 140‑metre segment was completed and opened to the public in December.