The physical works of the geotechnical survey required for the bridge connecting Male, Villimale, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu or ‘Thilamale’ Bridge’ commenced this Sunday.
The equipment required for the geotechnical survey was brought earlier this month and a huge plot in the industrial zone was evacuated for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Maldives.
A geotechnical investigation is primarily concerned with testing the physical properties of the soil, to provide recommendations for foundation requirements, excavation stability, drainage and buried concrete design of the bridge. Moreover, a land and marine survey was also conducted in October last year.
According to the Planning Ministry, physical works of the bridge will begin this March once all the surveys required for the project are completed.
The Greater Malé Connectivity Project or ‘Thilamale’ Bridge’ will see the development of a 6.7-kilometer bridge and causeway network linking Male, Villimale, Gulhifalhu, and the industrial island of Thilafushi. The project was contracted to India’s AFCON Infrastructure Limited and will be funded by a USD 400 million loan from India’s Exim Bank and a free aid of USD 100 million.
