Maldives president says India-funded bridge project moving slowly

President Mohamed Muizzu has expressed concern over the pace of work on the bridge project connecting Malé to Thilafushi, which is funded through a loan from the Government of India.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, the President said the government has met its obligations under the project but is not satisfied with the rate of progress.

“An extension was requested and granted after review. I am not satisfied with the current pace. I do not believe the public would be satisfied either,” he said.

The President stated that although work is ongoing, a previously announced completion timeline was not met. He noted that the project completion date is now set for 2027, compared to an earlier target of the end of this year.

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has also stated that the project timeline has been extended. He said a 30-month extension had been granted to the contractor during the previous administration without additional payment.

He added that the delay was not due to actions by the state and said responsibility for the delay lies with the contractor.

“We are working with the Government of India to expedite the project,” he said.

Muththalib noted that construction work is continuing and that the physical link between Malé and Villimalé is taking shape. He said sections of the bridge are being connected.

He added that efforts are ongoing to increase the pace of construction, with the connection to Villimalé expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The project is being carried out by Afcons and financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of India. The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 500 million, including a grant component of USD 100 million.

The bridge will connect Malé, Villimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. Experts from several countries are involved in the project.