President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that physical works on the first major project to comprehensively modernise Malé's roads in decades will commence, at the latest, by early 2027.
The President made the announcement during the fourth episode of The Pulse podcast, which focused on the development of Malé's road network. During the episode, he addressed public concerns and responded to questions posed by One Online.
The President noted that the last large-scale road development project in Malé was undertaken during the administration of former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, adding that the city's road network has since suffered from years of neglect and has not received the level of maintenance required. He explained that the Malé Roads Development Project, funded through a grant from the Government of China, would introduce modern infrastructure alongside the reconstruction of roads. The project will include a stormwater drainage network to mitigate flooding, a dewatering system to support construction activities, and an integrated fire hydrant network.
The President also highlighted the ongoing redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, which is being implemented separately from the Chinese grant-funded project. He revealed that works on the second phase, extending from Izzuddin Jetty to Barceló Nasandhura, have been completed and that the road is expected to open next week.
He further stated that the project includes a dedicated parking facility with capacity for 500 motorcycles. Traffic flow assessments, he noted, indicate that the completed road will improve traffic movement not only along Boduthakurufaanu Magu but also across the surrounding road network.
Upon completion of this phase, redevelopment works will commence on the section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Rasfannu. Describing it as the most deteriorated section, the President said the project would substantially improve connectivity to Malé's market area, commercial district and the wider transport network.
The President also assured that the road widening works, which involve land reclamation, would not create additional inconvenience for port users. Instead, the reclaimed area, protected by seawalls on three sides, will provide additional berthing space for vessels.
Addressing traffic congestion in the capital, the President emphasised that infrastructure projects alone would not provide a lasting solution. He said the Government's long-term strategy is to address the root causes of congestion by decentralising housing, public services and economic opportunities through regional development, thereby reducing pressure on Malé.
The President added that, while road and housing projects continue to meet the immediate needs of Malé, where nearly 40 per cent of the national population resides, they also form part of the Government's broader vision to achieve balanced development across the Maldives and deliver a sustainable solution to congestion in the capital.