Malé traffic to be monitored by AI as government unveils 2027 budget

MALÉ, Maldives — The Maldivian government has announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic monitoring system to permanently resolve congestion on the roads of the capital, Malé. The move is part of a broader digital modernisation of the country's travel system, with funds for the project included in the proposed 2027 budget of 59.7 billion rufiyaa, which was submitted to the People's Majlis. Alongside the AI traffic system, the government will establish a national data centre and a smart card system as part of digitising state services. The budget also includes plans to sell bonds or sukuk worth $175 million in international markets to repay foreign debt, with an overall target of raising $625 million from global markets over the next three years. To ease housing difficulties, the government has earmarked 750 million rufiyaa under the 'Affordable Home Financing Scheme' to assist those struggling with loan equity or down payments, providing up to 200,000 rufiyaa per person. A total of 3 billion rufiyaa has been allocated for rental housing projects. The budget statement did not provide further details on the international bond or sukuk sale. Earlier attempts to raise funds through such instruments were unsuccessful.