Work commences on Thilamale’ bridge deck segment

Planning Ministry, on Thursday, revealed work has commenced on superstructure deck segment units of Thilamale’ bridge.

As per the ministry, pre-casting of the deck segment units has commenced at Gulhifalhu Casting Yard.

Speaking to Sun regarding the latest updates of Thilamale’ bridge project – Project Manager Mohamed Jinan detailed that efforts were presently underway to install land pillars on the Male’ end of the bridge of which most parts have been completed.

Subsequently, Jinan said that work on the bridge’s superstructure deck from Male’ end has now commenced.

Piling works on two pillars which will be installed in the sea from Male’ end is also presently underway.

Additionally, he noted that land is being reclaimed from the area in VIlimale’ which will connect to the bridge while piling works on the land pillars from Gulhifalhu end are presently underway.

Jinan, noting bridge works are proceeding in accordance with the schedule, said there has been no stalling.

The Greater Male’ Connectivity Project – set to be the largest infrastructure development project in Maldives – is financed under an Indian grant of USD 100 million and a USD 400 concessional credit line from India’s Exim Bank.  

Once done, a 6.74-kilometer-long bridge and causeway link will connect the capital city Male City with adjoining islands of Villimale’, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

The scope of the project comprises three navigation bridges of 140-meter main span across the deep channel between each island, 1.41 kilometers of marine viaduct in deep water, 2.32-kilometer marine viaduct in shallow water or on land, and 2.96 kilometers of at-grade roads.

The government estimates that the Male’-Vilimale’ portion of the bridge will be brought into use this year– while the project is expected to reach full completion mid-next year.