Underwater tunnel to connect Male' and RasMale': President Dr Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that an underwater tunnel - the first of its kind in the world - will be built to connect Male' to RasMale'.

Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the Male' City Mayor and councilors, the President assured that a solution for the housing crisis in Male' City will be found during his administration.

RasMale' (Fushidhiggaru Falhu) is this administration's project to solve the housing crisis in the greater Male' region. Reclamation work has commenced and is targeted to be completed within eight months.

"The housing crisis cannot be sufficiently addressed through the nearby Hulhumale', Gulhi Falhu and Giraavaru Falhu. Even adding Uthuru Thilafalhu is not enough to solve the housing crisis in Male'," President Muizzu said, explaining the need for RasMale' to be developed.

"We have started deliberations with very capable companies regarding connecting RasMale' [and Male']. This is the first time in the world that an underwater tunnel like this is being planned," the President said.

Stating that innovative and technical work is being conducted to achieve this, the President revealed that transport inside the tunnel would be via a train, offering passengers breathtaking views of the underwater scenery as they travel to and from RasMale'.

"We are working with capable companies in the field to ascertain the feasibility of this project. This is a major tourism related project. The number of tourists visiting the Maldives will increase significantly once this is built. We will be doing impactful work," President Muizzu said.

The President went on to assure that the islands near Male' where land plots are being allocated from will be connected via bridges. He noted the need for two more bridges to connect up to Uthuru Thilafalhu as the currently ongoing project of ThilaMale' Bridge will only extend up to Thilafushi.

The President emphasized in his speech that it is an important objective of this administration to address the housing issues faced by citizens across the country.