Thilamalé Bridge reaches 77% completion in Maldives

The Thilamalé Bridge, a central component of the USD 500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project in the Maldives, has reached 77 percent physical completion. President Mohamed Muizzu recently walked across the newly connected superstructure linking Malé to Vilimalé.

Designed by the Indian contractor AFCONS Infrastructure, the bridge is engineered for a 120-year lifespan. To combat the corrosive marine environment and extreme wind conditions of the Vaadhoo Channel, engineers are utilizing high-quality materials and specialized stainless steel for the railing systems. Major maintenance is expected only once every 20 years. The project's design has undergone independent verification by international firms, including Arup.

The connectivity project spans 6.74 kilometers of bridges and causeways linking Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. It is financed through a USD 100 million grant from India and a USD 400 million line of credit from the Exim Bank of India.