Construction of the Thilamalé Bridge has reached 80.32 percent completion, with the final segment linking Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu expected to be installed before the end of October, marking another major milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest infrastructure projects.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has confirmed that work is progressing across multiple sections of the USD 500 million project, which will establish a permanent road connection between Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
The immediate focus of construction is the installation of the remaining bridge deck segments between Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu, with the two islands expected to be physically connected once the final segment is placed.
The development follows the completion of the bridge deck connection between Malé and Vilimalé at the end of August, bringing the project closer to establishing a continuous transport network across the Greater Malé Region.
According to the ministry’s latest progress figures, 98.53 percent of the 1,222 precast concrete segments required for the bridge deck have already been manufactured.
The segments are being produced at a dedicated casting facility established in Gulhifalhu before being transported and installed at their designated locations along the bridge.
Installation work connecting the bridge’s supporting pillars has also advanced significantly, with 88 percent of the required segments now in place.
The ministry said these developments have brought overall project progress to 80.32 percent, with construction continuing on the remaining bridge sections and connecting road infrastructure.
One of the most significant upcoming milestones is the completion of the approximately 750-metre bridge section between Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu.
Once the final segment is installed, the two islands will be physically connected for the first time through the new bridge structure.
The Malé-Vilimalé section, which extends approximately 2.2 kilometres across the sea, achieved its deck connection milestone in August.
Beyond Gulhifalhu, the project includes a 2.5-kilometre highway leading towards Thilafushi, followed by an approximately 600-metre bridge section connecting the two islands.
In total, the Thilamalé Bridge project covers 6.7 kilometres of transport infrastructure, comprising three sea-crossing bridges and connecting highways developed across the islands.
Construction is also progressing on the roads and highway sections that will link the bridge structures to the existing and planned road networks.
In Gulhifalhu, work on the connecting roads is advancing rapidly as construction teams prepare the island’s infrastructure for the eventual opening of the bridge.
Meanwhile, activities in Thilafushi are focused on installing protective revetment structures at the bridge landing area.
These structures are intended to protect the shoreline and surrounding infrastructure from erosion and wave action, helping safeguard the bridge’s approach roads and associated facilities.
The ministry said work is continuing simultaneously across different sections of the project to maintain progress towards the government’s completion target.
The administration aims to complete the entire Thilamalé Bridge project by the end of 2027.
The project, valued at approximately USD 500 million, is being financed through an Indian Line of Credit and contributions from the Maldivian government.
Officially known as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, the development is among the largest transport infrastructure investments undertaken in the Maldives.
The project was initiated to establish direct road connectivity between the capital and neighbouring islands that currently depend largely on marine transport for the movement of passengers and goods.
While Malé and Hulhumalé are already connected through the Sinamalé Bridge, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi have remained dependent on ferry and other sea transport services.
The Thilamalé Bridge is expected to significantly change these transport arrangements by allowing vehicles to travel directly between the connected islands.
The development is particularly important for Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, which have been identified as key areas for industrial, commercial and infrastructure expansion.
Thilafushi serves as a major industrial centre, accommodating warehouses, workshops and other industrial activities that support the country’s economy.
Gulhifalhu is also central to the government’s plans for expanding commercial infrastructure and developing additional land for economic activities.
Improved road access to these areas is expected to make the transportation of goods, equipment and workers more efficient while reducing dependence on marine transport.
For Vilimalé residents, the bridge will provide a direct road connection to Malé and the neighbouring development areas, potentially improving access to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.
The project is also expected to support the long-term development of the Greater Malé Region by improving transport capacity and creating opportunities for more balanced urban and commercial expansion.
The latest construction figures indicate that most of the bridge’s deck segments have now been manufactured, with installation work approaching its final stages across several sections.
Although the planned connection between Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu will represent a major construction achievement, additional work on the remaining bridge structures, highways and supporting infrastructure will be required before the entire route becomes operational.
With the Vilimalé-Gulhifalhu connection expected to be completed this month, attention will increasingly turn towards the remaining works linking Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, as the government works towards its target of completing the project by the end of next year.
