Construction of the next phase of the road linking the Presidential Jetty to the MTCC terminal will begin during the upcoming month of Ramadan, with the full stretch expected to be completed by April or May, according to MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudhy.
The project forms part of a wider initiative to widen, pave and upgrade Boduthakurufaanu Magu with modern infrastructure. The section from Chaandhanee Magu to North Harbour was paved and opened to the public last night.
Before the opening, Saudhy and several ministers visited the site and planted trees along one side of the newly developed road.
Speaking to the media, Saudhy said the next phase would focus on the area from the Presidential Jetty to the MTCC terminal.
“The work will move in segments from Izzuddin Jetty to the Henveiru terminal. During Ramadan, sheet pile works will begin. I believe the entire road can be completed by April or May,” he said.
He noted that the asphalt laying and widening works in the market area connected to Boduthakurufaanu Magu had been particularly challenging, citing blocked drainage systems and work stoppages during heavy swells as key delays.
Saudhy described the project as a national effort carried out with the support of multiple companies. Once completed, the widened road will allow large vehicles such as buses to operate along the route, which was previously too narrow to accommodate them.
“Under the President’s special vision for the development of Male', one of the biggest objectives is to hand over road development works to MTCC,” he said.
Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib said the previously one-way stretch has now been expanded into a two-way road, easing congestion in one of the capital’s busiest areas.
“I believe this will provide an appropriate solution to congestion in the area. At the same time, it will facilitate the loading and unloading of goods,” he said.
He added that the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) would manage both the existing harbour area and the newly developed section.
The road has been constructed with a stormwater drainage system. While pump installation will take additional time, the minister said the system is expected to address persistent flooding in the area.
The outer road project is funded with MVR 144 million from the state budget and is scheduled for completion within 455 days.
