Maldives' largest infra project advances with India's support after final segment of Thilamale Bridge is installed

Male, The final bridge segment connecting the Maldivian capital Male with Villingili island has been officially set in place, marking a major milestone in the India-funded connectivity project.

Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

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In 2021, a contract was sealed between the Maldives and India for the implementation of an India-funded connectivity project.

"A big milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project! The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili is officially set in place - bringing seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer," India in Maldives posted on X on Saturday.

Former Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid has also hailed the milestone in the India-funded connectivity project.

"A major milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project today! Honoured to have launched this project during my tenure as Foreign Minister. The Maldives-India friendship is built on trust and shared progress. This link is a symbol of that commitment and of India's support for Maldives' development," Shahid posted on X.

Shahid also expressed "deep appreciation" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their role in the project.

"Deep appreciation to PM @narendramodi, and EAM @DrSJaishankar, for their leadership in realising this vision for the Maldivian people," the post read.

The GMCP, also known as the Thilamale Bridge, funded under a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit of USD 400 million from India, is the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.

The contract for the Thilamale Bridge project was awarded to India's Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. More than 75 per cent of the project's work has now been completed.

The project comprises three primary bridge links: the connection between Male' and Villingili, the link between Villingili and Gulhifalhu, and the bridge connecting Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi.

The Indian High Commission in the Maldives earlier stated that this bridge, initiated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, features the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world.

According to the Commission, the precast segments of the Thilamale Bridge superstructure will reach a height of 8.177 meters.

Enhancing regional connectivity has been a key priority for India and the Maldives.

A direct cargo ferry service connecting Tuticorin in Kochi with Male and Kulhuffushi was started in September 2020.

India has maintained that the Maldives is its key maritime neighbour and an important partner in the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision 'MAHASAGAR' i.e. Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.