Construction of the Thilamalé Bridge, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Maldives, has crossed a major milestone, with more than 70 percent of the work now completed.
Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development reported that overall progress on the project stands at approximately 71.6 percent. Current activities on site are focused on casting and installing the segments that form the bridge deck.
According to the ministry, a total of 1,222 segments are required for the structure. Of these, around 84 percent have already been cast, while 54 percent have been installed as construction continues to move forward.
Work is also progressing across multiple locations connected to the project. In Gulhifalhu, efforts are centered on road development linked to the bridge, while in Thilafushi, teams are carrying out revetment installation and drainage works as part of the wider development.
The bridge will connect key areas including Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, significantly improving connectivity within the Greater Malé region.
The High Commission of India in Maldives has previously highlighted that some of the superstructure components produced for the project are among the tallest precast segments in the world, constructed using the long-line method. Unlike earlier projects such as the Sinamalé Bridge, where components were manufactured abroad, the segments for this bridge are being produced locally in Gulhifalhu.
With the structure being around six times larger than the Sinamalé Bridge, the project has faced a number of engineering and logistical challenges during construction.
Valued at approximately 500 million US dollars, or around MVR 7.7 billion, the project is being financed through a combination of a 400 million dollar line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank and a 100 million dollar grant from the Government of India.
Once completed, the Thilamalé Bridge is expected to play a key role in transforming transport and economic activity across the Greater Malé area.
