India-funded bridge project delayed; completion next year: Muththalib

Construction and Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said on Tuesday that progress on the Thilamale Bridge project remains slow and that full completion is now expected next year.

The project is being financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of India.

Earlier, the minister had said the bridge would be completed by September 2026. However, speaking on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu programme on Tuesday evening, he said the work was not progressing at the required pace.

Muththalib said the contractor is facing difficulties in carrying out the project. He said that at the end of the previous administration, the contractor was granted a 30-month extension without additional payment, which he said resulted in costs exceeding USD 100 million for the contractor.

He said the extension had been granted because the state could not be held responsible for delays caused by the contractor’s performance.

Muththalib said he is working with the Indian government to accelerate the pace of work.

He said visible progress is being made, including the installation of bridge segments, and that preparations are under way to connect Vilimalé and Malé.

He said that, based on the current schedule, the connection to Vilimalé is expected by the end of this year. He added that the ministry is exploring options with the Indian government and the contractor to shorten the timeline.

Muththalib said work on the project is continuing and that completion is expected next year if the current pace is maintained.

The Thilamale Bridge project has an estimated cost of USD 500 million, of which USD 100 million is being provided as a grant by the Government of India. The project is funded through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of India.

The bridge will connect Malé with Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. Construction is being carried out by Afcons of India, with technical input from experts from Turkey, Germany and Australia.