New section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu opens to traffic

A newly redeveloped section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu was opened to public traffic on Friday as work continues on the road modernisation project.

The project, which began in August last year, is widening Boduthakurufaanu Magu into a four-lane road through phased construction that includes the reclamation of parts of the inner lagoon.

The latest section to open covers approximately 700 metres, extending from the Henveiru Ferry Terminal to the Presidential Jetty.

Earlier phases included the completion of the section between the Presidential Jetty and the Maldives Monetary Authority in December last year, followed by the stretch to the North Harbour, which was completed between December and February.

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the contractor for the project, said minor finishing works will continue after the road has opened. These include installing handrails on quay wall staircases and laying red paving blocks to mark staircase access points.

Parking is prohibited along the newly opened section.

To provide parking in the area, a parking zone with capacity for 500 motorcycles has been established opposite the Bank of Maldives head office.

The Maldives Police Service has urged motorists to use only designated parking areas along Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

Police said vehicles parked outside designated areas could obstruct traffic and affect road safety, adding that action would be taken against illegally parked vehicles.

Meanwhile, government agencies and state-owned enterprises are continuing a tree-planting programme along the Malé waterfront. According to the government, more than 3,100 trees have been planted between the Henveiru Ferry Terminal and the North Harbour.

The next phase of the project will cover the section between the North Harbour and Rasfannu Beach.