The minister praised the President's ability to envision and pursue such ambitious projects, highlighting that accomplishing this vision will require careful consideration of financial and technical feasibility.
Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's ambitious project, RasMale', will be connected to Male' through an underwater tunnel and although the ministry is providing technical assistance for this endeavor, as this is a new and complex initiative, that it will take time to complete.
During a press conference at the President's Office, the minister responded to a question from Mihaaru News, emphasizing that the underwater tunnel is a visionary initiative from President Muizzu.
He praised the President's ability to envision and pursue such ambitious projects, highlighting that accomplishing this vision will require careful consideration of financial and technical feasibility.
Dr. Muththalib noted that the technology needed to construct an underwater tunnel in open sea conditions is currently not available.
"As you know, John F. Kennedy envisioned the United States going to the moon during a time when no one had accomplished it. A very special quality of a leader is knowing how to envision and to have the courage to do it," the minister said.
President Muizzu initially announced the concept of the underwater tunnel in January this year, indicating that discussions have already begun with capable companies regarding its construction.
He described the project as a pioneering effort, stating, “For the first time in the world, an underwater tunnel is being planned to connect Male' to RasMale'.”
The proposed tunnel is expected to feature a train that would offer passengers stunning underwater views, significantly enhancing the tourism potential of the Maldives.
Minister Muththalib said that this project is a major tourism initiative that could substantially increase visitor numbers to the Maldives.