The Indian government has been requested to accelerate the construction of the Thilamale Bridge, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
On August 26, 2021, an agreement was signed between the Maldives government and India's AFCONS Infrastructure to construct the Maldives' second overwater bridge. The same company performed the surveys and research related to the bridge construction. As per the agreement, the project is slated for completion in late 2026 or early 2027.
During a special radio program commemorating the 61st anniversary of the Voice of Maldives, President Dr. Muizzu revealed that the Maldives government had appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the bridge's completion, aiming for completion by 2025.
“I believe that completing the bridge up to Villimale by the end of 2024 or early 2025 would signify great progress,” expressed the President.
The president said necessary steps are being taken to ensure the Thilamale project follows the successful model of the Sinamale Bridge project. The President said the two countries will discuss the technical issues and encourage the expeditious completion of the bridge.
Funded by the Indian government, the 6.695 km Thilamale Bridge project will link Male', Villimale, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. The Indian government's contribution includes a $100 million grant and a $400 million loan from the country's EXIM Bank. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be MVR 7.7 billion.
