Govt targets Nov 2027 completion for new Malé parking buildings

The government is in discussions to develop parking buildings on the Heenaamaage site and on land adjoining Sosun Magu and the Maldives National University Business School, Transport Minister Mohamed Saeed said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Saeed said several measures were being pursued to address parking problems in the Greater Malé region.

He said work was also under way on parking buildings in Hulhumalé, while parking facilities planned for Malé are targeted for completion by the end of November next year.

“The parking established at these locations will be provided at small fees that are affordable to the public,” Saeed said.

The government will determine the parking charges at the facilities, he added.

Saeed said the two parking buildings in Malé are intended to reduce roadside parking, particularly the practice of parking vehicles on both sides of narrow roads.

The facilities are expected to include separate arrangements for four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles.

The government is also considering mechanical parking systems and the use of digital technology to provide parking on an on-demand basis, according to the minister.

Saeed said one proposal involves introducing a low-cost “touch and go” parking fee at certain times in the parking zone developed on Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

The government is also preparing to test new roadside parking arrangements on four streets in Malé as part of efforts to reduce congestion caused by vehicles parked along roads.

Saeed said the pilot streets would be designed to prevent parking on both sides of narrow roads. In some areas, parking would be permitted on one side while being restricted on the other.

The arrangements would also take into account access to homes and ensure that vehicles leaving residential properties can enter the road without being obstructed by parked vehicles, he said.

The minister said the pilot roads would be clearly marked to show where roadside parking is permitted and prohibited.