Indian media outlets reports Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is expected to officially inaugurate the Thilamale' Bridge project during his visit to the South Asian ally.
The Thilamale' Bridge project, linking Maldives capital Male' City with Vilimale', industrial village of Thilafushi and reclaimed Gulhifalhu is considered as the largest infrastructural development project under Solih's administration, as well as in the history of the Maldives so far.
An Indian local newspaper reports Maldives head of state will be inaugurate the project with foundation-laying ceremony on Monday, August 1, during President Solih's official meeting with Indian head of the state.
The contractor of the project, Afcons, is currently erecting the bridge pillars in the bay between Male' City and Vilimale'.
Solih's administration earlier affirmed on bridging Male' City with Vilimale' by mid-2023.
The project will reportedly cost USD 500 million, while the Maldivian government extracted USD 400 million credit facility from Indian EXIM Bank, while the government of India extended a grant of USD 100 million.
Loan repayment will commence only after five years post project completion according to the agreed terms.
Maldives' President during his official trip to India is expected to meet with the recently appointed Indian President Droupudi Murmu along with the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The Thilamale' Bridge project's main contractor Afcons report that they will be able link Male' City and Vilimale' by July 23, 2023 while travel across the bridge is expected to commence on August 15 of the same year.
On the other hand, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi will be bridged through the structure by December 2023. The entire bridge structure will span 6.7 kilometers.
Sign In