President says Thilamale’ Bridge expected to open in a year

The Greater Male’ Connectivity Bridge, known as the Thilamale’ Bridge, is expected to be completed within the next year, President Mohamed Muizzu said Sunday.

President Muizzu walked along the Thilamale’ Bridge for about 30 minutes from Male to Villimale on the occasion of Engineers’ Day, accompanied by Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Bala Subramaniam and several Cabinet ministers and other officials.

Speaking to reporters from the bridge, Muizzu said the project is an infrastructure project that represents the relationship between the Maldives and India.

“As a result of the priority given by the Prime Minister and the Government of India to this project, and the efforts of teams at all levels from both sides, this result has been achieved today and the two islands have been connected,” he said.

“Hopefully, this work will continue as it is now and I hope it will be completed within a year at most,” the President said.

Muizzu said the bridge will contribute to development in the Greater Male’ area.

He said several projects had stalled when his administration took office, adding that the Thilamale’ Bridge demonstrates the government’s focus on infrastructure projects.

“We will continue to prioritise the completion of key development projects. Especially projects that symbolise our relationship with India are a priority for this government,” he said.

“It is very important for us to continue projects that will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries,” Muizzu said.

Indian Ambassador Bala Subramaniam, who was also present on the bridge, said the first segment of the bridge had been completed.

“This is the first such major infrastructure project by the Indian government outside India,” the Ambassador said.

He said the bridge will be an asset to the Maldives and its people.

Thilamale’ Bridge project:

Housing Minister Dr Abdullah Muththalib said in January and in April that construction of the bridge was progressing slower than expected. He said at the time that the section would be ready for use next year.