The main superstructure of the Thilamale Bridge connecting Villimale and Gulhifalhu has been completed, effectively linking the two islands.
According to the Construction Ministry, the physical connection between Villimale and Gulhifalhu was established yesterday. With this milestone, the bridge structure now extends continuously from Male' to Gulhifalhu.
The agreement for the Thilamale Bridge project was signed between the MDP administration and India’s Afcons Infrastructure on September 16, 2021. While the initial deadline for the entire project was set for May 17, 2024, the timeline was later revised with a new completion date of September 30, 2026.
Following the signing of the agreement, underwater geotechnical surveys and borehole drilling were conducted throughout 2022. Additionally, a dedicated site for the fabrication of bridge segments was established in Gulhifalhu.
Work on the superstructure and precast segments progressed rapidly at the Gulhifalhu site. The installation of marine pillars for the Thilamale Bridge commenced on August 18, 2023. Prior to that, work had already begun in the Villimale area and on the Male' side of the project. Furthermore, the piling and capping of four land-based pillars started under the MDP administration in February 2023.
However, President Mohamed Muizzu has attempted to distort these facts by claiming that the actual work on the Thilamale Bridge only began under his administration.
Despite these claims, official records, government statements, and media reports confirm that physical construction of the bridge was well underway by the time the current administration took office.
