Phase one of the Thilamale' bridge to be completed this year

The Greater Male' Connectivity (GMC) project, a significant infrastructure venture and a highlight of the current Maldivian administration, was unveiled to the public on August 2nd, 2022. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the commencement of the project during his official visit to India. With a budget of USD 500 million, the project aims to enhance connectivity and development in the region. The project, which is now scheduled for completion in late 2024 has encountered major challenges, leading to doubts about its successful execution.

Initially planned for a 2023 finish, the project faced setbacks, making it clear that the original timeline would not be met. By the close of 2022, there had been minimal tangible progress, fueling scepticism about the project's feasibility. In August 2022, a major setback occurred as one of the platforms involved in the project damaged the Villimale' reef due to grounding. Subsequently, a crane component fell into the sea in December, causing environmental harm. A housing complex for project staff also caught fire in the same month, further dampening expectations.

Despite these obstacles, progress gained momentum in 2023. The bridge's structure and deck began taking shape, and substantial work was initiated on components intended for placement in the sea and the Gulhifalhu beach area. Following a period of limited updates, a recent progress report has rekindled optimism for the project's success, particularly in light of upcoming elections.

“We acknowledge that there have been delays, but we are committed to ensuring the project is completed according to the original schedule. This is why we are executing multiple segments of the project simultaneously. We are almost done with piling, we need four more pillars. After that, we will start assembling the pre-cast segments. Overwater bridge components will begin next month,” - An official from the project.

The ongoing pace of work suggests the first phase will conclude by late 2023. This phase concentrates on enhancing connectivity between Male' and Villimale'. As Afcons, the project's executing company, diligently works on pivotal components, including land and marine piling, pillar installation, Vilimalé land reclamation, reclaimed area revetment construction, and pre-cast segment assembly, significant developments are anticipated to become visible by the end of the year.