The Thilamalé Bridge, the largest infrastructure undertaking in the Malé region and part of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, has reached 72.17 per cent completion, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, said, confirming the structure's integrity remains uncompromised and there are no quality issues.
Following a 5 May inspection with G. Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner, officials noted operations focus on installing 1,222 deck segments. The contractor, Indian multinational Afcons Infrastructure Limited, has cast 86 per cent and installed 60 per cent. Crews are concurrently constructing Gulhifalhu roads and Thilafushi culverts and protective revetments in a cooperative effort between the contractor and both governments.
The government plans to open the bridge by the end of 2027. "From this perspective, our objective is to finalise the bridge connection to Thilafushi no later than the close of 2027," Minister Muththalib said. "As is currently evident, a substantial portion of the heavy structural work has already been completed. Nevertheless, additional work still remains. However, the most demanding phases of construction have been successfully concluded."
"Upon relocating our commercial port to Thilafushi, its connection to Malé will generate substantial economic dividends, seamlessly linking the residents of Gulhifalhu and Villimalé with the capital's essential services and resources," the minister explained.
"This infrastructure will provide the opportunity for the Greater Malé region to operate cohesively as a single, unified population," Minister Muththalib added. "Furthermore, a multitude of economic and social advancements will inevitably follow."