News Desk
The Thilamala Bridge project—one of the largest and most technically demanding construction efforts in the history of the Maldives—continues to reshape expectations for national connectivity. Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib reaffirmed that the project remains on track for major milestones this year, even as the government works to overcome persistent delays linked to the Indian contractor, Afcons Infrastructure Limited.
According to the minister, construction between Malé and Villimalé is now clearly visible, with approximately 70 percent of the overall project completed. This includes the installation of pillars across the four-island route and significant progress on the superstructure.
Despite slowdowns, the project has achieved several engineering breakthroughs. Afcons recently erected what Maldivian officials describe as the world’s tallest precast navigation span segment, measuring 8.23 meters high and weighing 216 metric tons—an achievement that underscores the technical ambition of the bridge.
A total of 263 concrete piles have been driven into the seabed, and more than 500 of the 1,222 bridge segments have been cast and connected.
Although work continues around the clock, Minister Muthalib acknowledged that progress is not moving at the required pace. The primary cause, he said, is the contractor’s difficulty managing a project of this scale. Afcons, an Indian firm, has limited experience with complex marine bridge construction in environments like the Maldives, where strong currents, monsoon swells, and uneven geotechnical conditions pose unique challenges.
The previous government extended the project timeline by 30 additional months, pushing the completion date to September 2026. This extension was granted to avoid heavy penalties after Afcons signaled it could not meet the original deadline. The current administration says it respects the agreement but is actively negotiating with India and Afcons to accelerate work.
Once completed, the 6.7 km Thilamala Bridge will connect Malé, Villimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi—linking the capital with both residential expansion zones and the country’s primary industrial hub. For a nation of dispersed islands where ferries dominate daily life, the bridge is expected to transform mobility, reduce congestion, and cut logistical costs.
Economists note that the project represents a major boost to the Maldives’ Gross Fixed Capital Formation, signaling long-term investment in national infrastructure. The government aims to open the Malé–Villimalé segment by the end of this year, aligning with plans to begin population settlement in the Gulhifalhu area.
The Thilamala Bridge is a $500 million project, financed largely through Indian grants and concessional loans, including a $400 million line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank. The initiative is a flagship of India’s “Neighbourhood First” and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, making the bridge not only an infrastructure project but also a symbol of regional cooperation.
The Thilamale’ Bridge illustrates the challenges small island nations face when undertaking mega‑infrastructure projects—balancing climate‑exposed engineering, foreign financing, and contractor capacity. It also highlights the Maldives’ strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, where connectivity projects increasingly intersect with geopolitical interests.
Despite delays and contractor‑related hurdles, the government maintains that the bridge will be completed within the revised timeline. Officials argue that once operational, the Thilamala Bridge will redefine economic activity, urban planning, and social mobility across the Greater Malé Region—ushering in one of the most significant transformations in the country’s modern history.
