The Ministry of Construction has announced that the long-awaited Hankede Bridge in Addu City will officially open to the public on February 1, 2025. The bridge, which had been closed off for a major developmental project, is a key component of one of the most significant road infrastructure initiatives undertaken in the region.
The project, launched in 2021, was awarded to India-based Afcons Infrastructure Limited, a company involved in several major infrastructure projects in the Maldives. Spanning 1.4 kilometres, the four-lane bridge connects Hankede, a separate island situated along the Addu Link Road, to the rest of the city. Given its strategic importance, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity, ease transportation, and contribute to the overall development of Addu.
The Maldivian government allocated over USD 77 million for the construction of the bridge and associated roadworks, with an initial completion timeline of two years. As part of this large-scale infrastructure development, 3.3 kilometres of the existing link road in Addu will be resurfaced, while an additional 27 kilometres of road will be newly paved. In total, 67 kilometres of roadway will be constructed with a durable cement base layer to ensure long-term sustainability. The project also includes the installation of streetlights, traffic signs, and CCTV cameras, further enhancing road safety and security for residents and commuters.
While the project faced unforeseen delays and challenges, the Ministry of Construction confirmed via X that the Hankede Bridge is now open to the public as of today. The opening marks a significant milestone in Addu’s infrastructure development and is expected to have a lasting impact on the city’s transportation network.