The final segment of the Thilamale’ Bridge between Vilimale' and Gulhifalhu was completed today, connecting all three islands by bridge.

Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said in a social media post today that the completion the final segment had been launched to connect Vilimale' and Gulhifalhu.

The minister thanked Indian contractor AFCONS and the Indian government for their assistance in completing the milestone.

The bridge had connected Male' and Vilimale' on 22 August, with the final section linking Vilimale' and Gulhifalhu completed around two months later.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inspected the project on 30 August and walked from Male' to Vilimale' following the completion of that section.

Speaking to the media during the visit, President Muizzu credited high-level discussions between the Maldives and India for the progress made on the project. He said he hoped the bridge would be completed by next year, describing it as a major boost for the greater Male' region.

The 6.7km bridge is being built with assistance from the Indian government, with most of the construction now completed. All underwater works have also been finished.

The project is the largest infrastructure development in the greater Male' area, with an estimated cost of USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion). Of this, USD 400 million is provided through a line of credit from the Exim Bank of India, while USD 100 million is grant assistance from the Indian government.

Once completed, the bridge will be six times longer than the Maldives' first bridge, the Sinamale' Bridge.