The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced new regulations restricting the movement of heavy vehicles and goods transport in the Greater Malé area during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan and the subsequent week of Shawwal.
The measure, introduced annually, is intended to ease traffic congestion and improve road accessibility during peak hours of the fasting month. The initiative reflects a broader effort to maintain order and ensure smoother mobility across the capital region at a time of heightened activity.
Under the schedule released by the ministry, the restrictions will be enforced in two phases during Ramadan in Hijri year 1447. From the first day of the month through the 19th, as well as during the first week of Shawwal, the transport of goods and the operation of heavy vehicles will be prohibited between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and again from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In the final ten days of Ramadan, beginning on the 20th and continuing until the end of the month, the curfew will apply solely to the evening hours, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Transport Ministry has underscored that violations of these regulations will incur a fine of USD 48.63 under the Land Transport Act. In its statement, the ministry urged all relevant parties to adhere strictly to the guidelines, stressing that compliance is essential to preserving accessibility and public order during the holy month.