Thilamalé Bridge Reaches 72% Completion With Target Opening by End of 2027

The Thilamalé Bridge, the centerpiece of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, has reached 72.17 percent completion, according to Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib. The Minister confirmed that the structure's integrity remains intact and that there are no quality concerns as the project moves toward its final phases. Following a joint inspection on May 5 with Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian, officials revealed that current operations are focused on the installation of 1,222 deck segments. The contractor, Indian multinational Afcons Infrastructure Limited, has already cast 86 percent of these segments, with 60 percent successfully installed. Parallel to the bridge construction, crews are working on the Gulhifalhu roads, Thilafushi culverts, and protective revetments. This multi-pronged approach is part of a cooperative effort between the Maldivian and Indian governments to ensure the region's connectivity is comprehensive. Minister Muththalib stated that the government aims to finalize the bridge connection to Thilafushi by the end of 2027. While he acknowledged that additional work remains, he emphasized that the most demanding phases of the heavy structural work have been successfully concluded. The bridge is expected to trigger a significant economic shift, particularly as the commercial port relocates to Thilafushi. By seamlessly linking the residents of Gulhifalhu and Villimalé with the essential services and resources of the capital, the project aims to unify the Greater Malé region into a single, cohesive population. According to the Minister, this integration will not only streamline logistics and transport but will inevitably lead to a wide array of social and economic advancements for the local community, transforming how the region operates and grows.