The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has issued a warning that vessels found travelling between Malé-Vilimalé and Vilimalé-Gulhifalhu channels may have their licenses suspended.
The Ministry said that although transport has been restricted in the areas due to the ongoing Thilamalé Bridge project, there has been an increasing issue of prohibited trips between the channels.
A statement from the ministry announced that transport between the channels has been officially restricted since August 15, 2022. However, it added that despite the restriction, several vessels have been found to be violating the ministry's orders.
To put a stop to this, the ministry said that it will be suspending the licenses of the vessel captains or navigators for a duration of one month in accordance with the Local Vessel License Regulation.
In addition to warning about license suspension, the Ministry officially restricted any kind of transportation between the channels in its announcement on Monday, May 8, to ensure the safety of the vessels and project contractors.
"Vessels traveling from southern atolls can enter via the channel between Sinamalé Bridge," the ministry announced.
Thilamalé Bridge, the largest infrastructure development project ever in the Maldives will connect Male’ with Vilimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. Meanwhile, its contractor, Afcons Infrastructure has been carrying out several developmental works both on land and in the channel between the islands.
The project is being executed through a line of credit extended by the EXIM Bank of India.
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