Thilamalé Bridge segment connecting Malé and Vilimalé completed

The section of the Greater Malé Connectivity Bridge linking Malé and Vilimalé was completed on Saturday following the installation of the final segment between the two islands.

The Ministry of Housing announced the development on its social media platforms, publishing photographs showing progress on the bridge, which is being built to connect Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

“With the launching of the final segment between Malé and Vilimalé on the Thilamalé Bridge, Malé and Vilimalé are now connected,” the ministry said.

The Greater Malé Connectivity Project, commonly known as the Thilamalé Bridge, is being developed at a cost of about USD 500 million, or MVR 6.2 billion.

India is providing USD 100 million, equivalent to about MVR 1.55 billion, as grant assistance for the project, while the remaining financing is being provided through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of India.

Indian company Afcons Infrastructure is the contractor for the project. Experts from Turkey, Germany and Australia are also involved in the construction work.

The bridge is designed to provide a road connection between Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said in January and again in April that construction was progressing slower than initially expected.

However, the minister has said the Malé-Vilimalé section of the bridge is scheduled to become operational next year.