The Thilamale’ Bridge development project, under the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, is progressing on schedule, with fieldwork ongoing in Male’ City, Vilingili, and Gulhifalhu. The project involves the construction of road pillars, with three already completed in the Industrial Zone in Male’. Additionally, dredging is underway in Vilingili, while the main project works are currently ongoing in Gulhifalhu, where prefabrication for the bridge is taking place.
The project’s contractor, Afcons Infrastructure Limited from India, is carrying out piling work at four locations, including land and road pillars, shallow water, medium water, and deep water pillars. Shallow water pillars are erected using temporary bridges, while pillars in other areas are erected on platforms. Fabrication of the liners of the pillars is in progress, and segments connecting the pillars and superstructure are ready. Final preparations for the bridge’s connection are underway after the completion of the pillars.
The Project Manager, Mohamed Jinan, reported that eight pillars are planned for installation on the road, with piling work for all the pillars completed. Pile caps are currently under construction, and a total of 50 pillars will be erected as part of the project. The ministry expects the Thilamale’ Bridge to be completed by the end of next year, with the connection to Thilafushi planned for mid-2024.
The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) comprises three bridges, a causeway, and a road network spanning over 6.7km, with interchange points and parking zones at each connection stop. The project is funded by a USD400 million Line of Credit from the Indian Exim Bank and a USD100 million grant from the government of India and is expected to become a national economic engine and a lifeline connecting Male’ to Villimale’, Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone.
