Shahid: Thilamale’ bridge will stand as a tribute to India-Maldives partnership

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Thilamale’ bridge to be built between the industrial island of Thilafushi and Male' City, which will also see the connection of the Maldivian capital with Vilimale' and Gulhifalhu – will become a great tribute to the strong ties formed between the Maldives and India.

In a tweet welcoming the signing of the agreement pertaining to the construction of Thilamale’ bridge between the Government of Maldives and India’s Afcons Infrastructure Limited – Minister Shahid noted that this being the biggest infrastructure development project in the Maldives yet, is conducted with financial assistance from India.

He also extended his gratitude to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, for the support rendered in the development journey of the Maldives.

In replying to Minister Shahid’s tweet, Minister Jaishankar noted that India is proud to be a key development partner to the Maldives and reiterated its deep commitment to Maldives’ national progress.

Thilamale’ bridge is an electoral pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. As the biggest infrastructure development project in the Maldives yet and a part of the larger Greater Male’ Connectivity Project – the bridge upon complete will see the already connected Hulhumale', Hulhule, and Male' City fully connected by land with Vilimale', Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. 

The bridge project is being funded by a loan of USD 400 million from India's Exim Bank. Work under the bridge project will include the construction of a 6.7-kilometer-long bridge along with a causeway link.