President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on Tuesday afternoon, virtually initiated and viewed the "Pouring of First Concrete" of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). The "Pouring of First Concrete" ceremony held in the Maldives was livestreamed at the project launch and review ceremony in Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
The GMCP involves constructing a bridge that connects Malé, Villimalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. The project scope also includes the construction of navigation bridges, viaducts and on-grade roads. It is funded by a USD 400 million line of credit from Indian Exim Bank and a USD 100 million grant from the Indian government. The project was awarded to the Indian-based company, Afcons Infrastructure Limited.
During the project launch ceremony held in India, a video was featured on the review of Maldives-India Development Cooperation. The video also showed the progress of 4,000 social housing units being constructed in the Maldives by the Indian government.
India has been a key partner in Maldives' infrastructure development, with several key projects being completed as a result of this partnership. The friendship has significantly advanced in recent years, with a number of major development projects currently underway in the Maldives with Indian assistance.
