The Malé-Villingili section of the Thilamalé Bridge has been structurally connected following the installation of the final precast segment, marking a major milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest infrastructure projects.
Project contractor Afcons Infrastructure said the final element needed to close the remaining gap between Malé and Villingili was installed on Saturday, completing the continuous bridge connection between the two islands.
With the structural connection now in place, work will move towards preparing the bridge deck for asphalt paving, which is scheduled to begin next month. Afcons aims to complete paving across the Malé-Villingili section within the same month.
Construction is also continuing on access roads and parking areas associated with the bridge, with those works expected to be completed in the coming period.
The Malé-Villingili connection forms the first major section of the wider Thilamalé Bridge project, which will ultimately establish a direct road network linking Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
The approximately USD 500 million project is financed through Indian grant assistance and a Line of Credit and was launched under the previous administration. Construction subsequently encountered significant delays, pushing the project beyond its original schedule.
According to the latest project figures, overall progress has now surpassed 75 percent, while the Malé-Villingili section is approaching 80 percent completion.
When President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, overall progress on the project stood at around 38 percent, with significant structural work, including the installation of bridge pillars, still outstanding.
The current administration subsequently identified the Thilamalé Bridge, alongside the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport, as a priority infrastructure project. Discussions were held with the Indian government and Afcons to revise schedules and address logistical and implementation challenges in an effort to accelerate construction.
The government is targeting completion of the Malé-Villingili section by the end of 2026, which would establish the first direct road connection between the capital and Villingili.
Work will then continue on the remaining sections extending towards Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, with the entire project targeted for completion before 2028.
Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to significantly change connectivity within the Greater Malé Region. In addition to linking residential communities, the network will provide road access towards Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, areas that are central to the government’s longer-term plans for housing, commercial activity, port operations and industrial development.
