Jaishankar visits Thilamale Bridge site
The Construction Ministry said last month that 40% of the bridge is complete.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is currently in Maldives, visited the work site of the Indian-aided Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) on Saturday, to inspect the progress.
Jaishankar twas accompanied to the bridge construction site with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Construction and Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib.
The bridge, which began during the presidency of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, is being funded by a loan from India’s Exim Bank. The work is being carried out by India's Afcons infrastructure company.
After inspecting the progress of the bridge, Jaishankar said in a post on 'X' that the bridge will both “enhance connectivity and stimulate the economy”.
Important statistics of the Thilamale Bridge:
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Price: USD 500 million (MVR 6.2 billion)
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USD 100 million (MVR 1.55 billion) is India's free aid
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Experts from Turkey, Germany and Australia are also involved in the bridge work
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The project was lent by Exim Bank of India
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The Construction Ministry said last month that 40% of the bridge is complete.
