Minister Reassures Public on Thilamale Bridge Quality
NewsMohamed Muavvazu
MALE, Maldives – Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, has dismissed concerns regarding the structural integrity of the Thilamale Bridge, confirming that the project meets all quality standards.
The Thilamale Bridge—officially known as the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP)—is designed to link Male', Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.
Speaking to reporters after an inspection of the construction site, Minister Muththalib clarified that any perceived irregularities in the bridge's alignment are merely visual illusions from a distance.
He further emphasized that once completed, the bridge will be an "engineering marvel," highlighting the immense complexity and scale of the offshore construction.
Both the Maldivian and Indian governments have expressed confidence that the bulk of the project will be finished by the end of next year. Current projections suggest that travel between Male' and Villingili via the bridge will be possible by the end of 2025.
The project is a significant milestone in the Maldives-India partnership, backed by a robust financial package:
- $400 Million: Line of Credit from the Exim Bank of India.
- $100 Million: Grant aid from the Government of India.
According to the latest government data, 72.17% of the total project has already been completed, marking a significant step toward connecting the capital region's industrial and residential hubs.
