The physical connection between Vilimálé and Gulhifalhu under the ThilaMalé Bridge project is expected to be completed before the end of October, with only one segment remaining to link the two islands.
Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib said work on the section is progressing rapidly, as construction continues on one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in the Greater Malé Region.
Speaking to PSM News, Muththalib said the government is working towards completing the Vilimálé–Gulhifalhu connection by the end of this month.
The latest development follows the successful connection of Malé and Vilimálé during the final week of August, marking a major milestone in the construction of the bridge network.
With the Malé–Vilimálé section now physically connected, construction teams have shifted their focus towards completing the next stretch linking Vilimálé to Gulhifalhu.
The section spans approximately 750 metres, with the remaining bridge segment currently being prepared for installation.
According to the Construction Ministry, the bridge segments are prefabricated at a construction site in Gulhifalhu before being transported to their designated locations and installed between the supporting pillars.
Once the final segment is installed, Vilimálé and Gulhifalhu will be physically connected, bringing the project another step closer to establishing a continuous road network between Malé, Vilimálé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
The ThilaMalé Bridge project covers a total distance of approximately 6.7 kilometres and consists of three over-water bridge sections connected by highways.
Under the planned network, the 750-metre bridge between Vilimálé and Gulhifalhu will connect to a 2.5-kilometre highway extending towards Thilafushi.
A further bridge measuring approximately 600 metres will connect Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi, completing the network of bridges and connecting roads.
Meanwhile, construction activity is continuing on the Malé–Vilimálé section, where workers are carrying out finishing works on the bridge deck following the completion of its structural connection.
These works include the installation of central barriers separating opposing traffic lanes and preparations required before asphalt can be laid.
The ministry said arrangements are also being made to install safety handrails, street lighting and CCTV cameras along the bridge.
Highway construction is progressing alongside the bridge works, with several components being developed simultaneously to advance the overall project.
The Construction Ministry confirmed that 77 percent of the entire ThilaMalé Bridge project has now been completed.
The government is targeting the completion of the full project by the end of 2027.
The USD 500 million project is being financed through an Indian line of credit and funding from the Maldivian government.
The bridge is intended to establish a permanent road connection between the capital and the industrial and commercial areas of Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, which currently depend on sea transport for access.
Once operational, the network is expected to significantly change transportation across the Greater Malé Region by allowing vehicles to travel directly between the connected islands.
The project is also expected to improve access to Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, both of which play important roles in the country’s industrial, logistics and infrastructure development plans.
While the completion of the physical bridge connections represents a major construction milestone, additional roadworks, safety installations and other finishing activities will still be required before the entire network can be opened for public use.
