News Desk
Addu City, Maldives – In a landmark moment for Addu City’s development, the Hankede Bridge and 25 hectares of newly dredged land were officially handed over to the Maldivian government by the Government of India. These projects, integral to the $800 million line of credit agreement between the Maldives and India, mark the beginning of a broader effort to revitalize infrastructure and tourism in Addu City.
The inauguration, held on Sunday, was attended by high-profile officials, including Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Construction Minister Abdullah Muthalib.
The centerpiece of the project, a 1.46-kilometer four-lane detour link road connecting Maradhoo and Hithadhoo via Hankede, represents the first such infrastructure development outside the Malé region. Alongside this, the newly dredged land is expected to play a crucial role in expanding tourism opportunities in the city.
Dr. Jaishankar underscored India’s commitment to the Maldives’ regional development, highlighting that the $220 million worth of projects implemented in Addu over the past two to three years demonstrate this priority. Meanwhile, Minister Muthalib pointed out the strategic importance of the dredging work for Addu’s future, noting that the reclaimed land would be pivotal for housing and urban expansion in the city.
The official launch of Addu City’s road development project on March 28, 2022, by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, set the stage for this extensive infrastructure overhaul. The MVR 1.2 billion project, contracted to India’s Afcons Infrastructure Limited, aims to modernize 107 kilometers of road and install a 103-kilometer stormwater drainage system to alleviate flooding during the monsoon season.
The project will see 40 kilometers of road paved with asphalt, with the remaining 67 kilometers laid with a cement-stabilized base layer, covering key areas islands including Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo.
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Hankede, the uninhabited island connected to Maradhoo and Hithadhoo, has a long history of being earmarked for tourism development, with plans dating back to 2006. However, previous attempts failed until President Solih, on December 2, 2021, officially designated Hankede as a real estate tourism zone to be developed by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), a state-owned enterprise.
In January 2023, the MFMC announced that it had secured the necessary funds for the Hankede project. President Solih later affirmed that the ongoing land expansion and road construction projects were in alignment with the Hankede development, which includes plans for an integrated resort, hotel, and guesthouse complex. Upon completion, these projects are expected to increase Addu’s tourist capacity by 7,000 beds.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project, held on April 15, 2024, marked a historic step forward. The project, under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) valued at $142.9 million, is set to revolutionize the Maldivian tourism sector. The development will feature 2,082 beds across 1,041 rooms, including 2 grand hotels, 2 deluxe hotels, 10 boutique hotels, 4 guesthouses, 64 serviced apartments, and 17 beach villas. Additionally, the project will offer a variety of recreational and commercial amenities, including sports centers, theaters, shopping blocks, food courts, and high-end restaurants.
Speaking to EtruthMV, MFMC MD Ahmed Nazim Aboobakur stated that the project is on track, and the Chinese contractor is about to mobilize equipment to the site. He further mentioned that the project is proceeding according to the timeline and is expected to be completed within two years.
This ambitious project is more than just a boost to Addu’s tourism industry; it represents a transformative opportunity for the city’s residents. The development is expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
According to Nazim, the project is on track, with completion anticipated within two years. The total cost of the project is $142 million, funded by the Chinese Exim Bank.
As Addu City looks to the future, the Hankede Bridge and dredged land are just the beginning. These infrastructure projects, funded by India’s Exim bank, lay the foundation for a new era of growth and prosperity, positioning Addu as a premier tourist destination and a vibrant economic hub. The journey ahead is one of opportunity, and the people of Addu stand poised to reap the benefits of this ambitious development.
