Seventy two percent of Thilamale' Bridge, the Maldives’ largest infrastructure project has been completed, according to the construction ministry.

The project, which will connect Male', Vilimale' and Thilafushi, has reached 71.6 percent completion, the ministry said today.

Work is currently underway in Gulhifalhu on road links connecting to the bridge, while revetment and culvert installation is ongoing in Thilafushi.

High Commission of India in Maldives has previously said the bridge’s superstructure includes some of the tallest precast segments built using the longline method.

Pre-casting involves constructing bridge components off-site before transporting and assembling them. Unlike the Sinamale' Bridge, where segments were imported from China, components for the Thilamale' Bridge are being made locally in Gulhifalhu.

Built with Indian assistance, the 6.7 km bridge is around six times longer than the Sinamale' Bridge, the first bridge built in Maldives. All underwater works for the project have now been completed.

The bridge is being developed at a cost of USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion), including USD 400 million under a line of credit from the Exim Bank of India and USD 100 million in grant aid from the Indian government.