The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has introduced special traffic management measures in Malé for the month of Ramadan, aiming to ease congestion and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly around mosques and commercial areas.
Authorities have identified 22 mosques in the Greater Malé Region where traffic surges during prayer times. Officers will be deployed 10 minutes before prayers begin and will remain on-site until congestion clears. Residents have been encouraged to walk to nearby mosques when possible and park in designated areas if using motorbikes. Goods vehicles have been instructed to refrain from operating during restricted hours, except for essential services.
In preparation for Ramadan, police have cleared roads, repainted traffic signs, and removed 433 abandoned two-wheelers and 33 four-wheelers from Malé’s streets. Inspector of Police Tholhath Ahmed stated that five key areas—marketplaces, mosques, major roads, bridges, and highways—have been prioritised for traffic management. A dedicated police team has been monitoring the market area since mid-February to regulate parking and prevent goods from being dumped in pedestrian zones.
A no-parking zone has been established in the market area from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, with enforcement coordinated with the city council. Road closures will be implemented near mosques during prayer times, including Taraweeh and pre-dawn prayers, depending on traffic conditions. Key roads such as Hilaalee Magu, Sosun Magu, Fareedhee Magu, and Chaandhanee Magu, as well as commercial areas and office hubs, will also be monitored.
Traffic flow on bridges and highways will be closely observed, especially during peak commuting hours in the morning and evening. The MPS has urged the public to plan their travel accordingly, adhere to parking regulations, and cooperate with authorities to ensure a smooth and safe Ramadan.