The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Afcons gears up with physical works of bridge

Mohamed Rehan
11 October 2022, MVT 18:04
A bridge platform - the structure is essential for the installation of crucial structure components--
Mohamed Rehan
11 October 2022, MVT 18:04

The pillars for Thilamale' bridge will be deployed for installation as Afcons gears up with preparation before physical works.

Installation of the permanent pillars on which the bridge platform will be developed, is one of the most crucial yet difficult tasks.

Regarded as the largest infrastructure project of the current administration; the Thilamale' Bridge will connect Maldives capital Male' City with Vilimale' and the industrial island of Thilafushi.

A senior official of the project, from Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) confirms test-piling commenced earlier on Saturday, October 8. Test-piling in required before pillar structures are installed.

The pillars will be installed once the test-piling concludes, which is at the earliest prospect.

The first phase of the project will see Male' City linked with Vilimale', which Afcons aims to complete sometime during 2023.

The contracted period for the completion of this phase is July 26, 2023.

The first phase culminates with Male' City connecting Gulhifalhu, for which Afcons have been contracted with a 27-month period. Following this, the contractor will commence linking Gulhifalhu with Thilafushi under the second phase, within the stipulated 32 month period.

Completion Dates for Project Components

- Male' City linked with Vilimale' latest by July 23, 2022

- General transportation between Male' City and Vilimale' to commence on August 15, 2023

- Gulhifalhu to be linked with Thilafushi by December 2023

- Entire project completion expected for November 2024

A commercial harbor will be developed at Thilafushi, as part of the overall project.

Meanwhile, the government attests the bridge project connecting Male' City with Gulhifalhu will cost approximately USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion).

To implement the project, the government acquired a loan from Exim Bank of India, worth USD 400 million, which is repayable five years after the completion of the project.

Along with the Exim Bank loan, the bridge will be further funded by a USD 100 million grant from the Indian government and Maldives state funds.

MORE ON NEWS