Discussions held on pre-feasibility study for Thilafushi-UTF bridge

Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib met with senior officials from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Mission on Wednesday, to discuss a planned project to build a bridge between K. Thilafushi and Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) via K. Giraavaru.

According to the Infrastructure Ministry, the discussions centered around conducting the pre-feasibility study for the project.

“This project is set to pave the way for future connectivity and progress in the region, driving economic growth and enhancing regional integration,” said the ministry, in a statement regarding the meeting.

The ministry said that it is overseeing multiple infrastructure projects in some 187 inhabited islands of Maldives.

Today, Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib met with the Senior Officials of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Mission, where discussions centered around conducting the pre-feasibility study for the Thilafushi to UTF Bridge Project via Giraavaru. This project is set to… pic.twitter.com/VZUZI3rljc

— Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure (@MoCImv) September 17, 2024

The AIIB has provided funding for four infrastructure projects in the Maldives. This includes the Covid management health preparedness project, the greater Male’ waste-to-energy project, and the solar power development project.

The Infrastructure Ministry described Wednesday’s meeting with the AIIB Mission as a key meeting held as part of the government’s efforts to secure global support for infrastructure projects in the Maldives.

The Thilafushi-Giraavaru-UTF bridge project was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the Independence Day function in July. He said that the AIIB had asked to submit a proposal for the project, adding that he hopes to begin construction in 2026 and complete the project within three years.