During the inauguration ceremony of the land reclamation project in Gulhifalhu, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that once completed, the Thilamalé Bridge will extend to Giraavaru. This project, considered as the largest undertaken by the current administration, is expected to enhance the government's Binveriyaa Scheme.
The President said that the construction of the Thilamalé Bridge is expected to be completed by next year, allowing people to begin using it. He emphasized that the next phase of the project will involve connecting the bridge to Giraavaru Falhu, and the current administration is hopeful to proceed with this phase of the work.
The Thilamalé Bridge project aims to construct a 6.7-kilometer bridge that will connect Villimalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. The construction of the bridge is undertaken by Afcons, an Indian construction company.
A total of USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion) will be expended on the Thilamalé Bridge project. This financing will be sourced through a USD 400 million line of credit from the Indian Exim Bank, while an additional USD 100 million will be provided as free assistance from India.
According to Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, the progress of the Thilamalé Bridge project has been slower than anticipated. As a result, the initial plan to link Villimale and Malé this year will not be realized.