No plans to introduce tolls on Thilamalé Bridge, says president

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the government has no plans to introduce toll charges for the Thilamalé Bridge, which is being built to connect Malé, Vilimalé and Thilafushi.

The President made the remarks during a press conference at the President's Office on Monday in response to a question on whether the government was considering charging vehicles to use the bridge.

The question referred to earlier discussions on introducing toll fees for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, commonly known as the Sinamalé Bridge, which was built during President Muizzu's tenure as Housing Minister.

Responding, the President said no discussions had taken place regarding toll charges for the Thilamalé Bridge.

He noted that while studies and discussions had previously been conducted on introducing tolls for the Sinamalé Bridge, the government at the time decided against imposing any charges.

"That decision was maintained by the previous government, and we are continuing with that same policy. Furthermore, we have not held any discussions on whether to collect toll fees from the bridge currently under construction. No plans or research have been conducted regarding this matter," President Muizzu said.

Discussions on introducing tolls took place before the Sinamalé Bridge opened in 2018. The bridge was financed through grants and concessional loans from China.

The administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih later decided not to impose toll charges on vehicles using the bridge.

Early in President Muizzu's current term, the issue was raised again. However, following public criticism, the President said toll fees would not be introduced unless there was a significant improvement in the country's economic situation.

Construction of the Thilamalé Bridge began during the previous administration with financing from the Export-Import Bank of India. The project's completion schedule has been revised several times, and a completion date has not yet been announced.