Thilamale’ bridge project proceeding ahead of schedule: 35 percent complete

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muthalib, revealing work on Thilamale’ bridge project is presently proceeding ahead of schedule, states 35 percent of the project has now been completed.

Thilamale’ Bridge project, linking Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, is one of the biggest projects initiated by the former administration and one of the most criticized over its slow progress.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday regarding the projects being implemented under the oversight of the incumbent administration’s Construction Ministry – Minister Muthalib said Thilamale’ bridge project was proceeding 1.11 percent faster than the schedule that was drawn up later.

“Therefore, we are ahead of schedule. The most important thing at the moment is to proceed with the work in line with the schedule,” he noted.

“We will initiate discussions on when [the bridge] can be completed at the earliest once work has progressed to a point that the contractor is comfortable with,” he added.

As per the Minister, 35.53 percent of the work is now complete.

Thilamale’ bridge project – the largest infrastructure development project in Maldives to date – is financed under an Indian grant of USD 100 million and a USD 400 concessional credit line from India’s Exim Bank.  The project was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure in August 2021.

The initial agreement dictated a deadline of end of next year to complete the project. However, a supplementary agreement executed by the previous administration during its last days has extended the deadline to September 30, 2026.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously remarked that it is most likely for the bridge to be completed in 2026, despite his wishes for its completion in early 2025.