Construction of the landmark Thilamalé Bridge project , officially known as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) has entered a major phase of development, with authorities confirming that substantial progress has now been achieved across multiple sections of the bridge.
The megaproject, which will connect Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi through a network of bridges and causeways, is regarded as the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Maldives. Once completed, the bridge system will span approximately 6.74 kilometers.
Recent updates from the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure indicate that overall completion of the project has now reached around 70 percent, with visible structural progress taking shape across the Greater Malé region.
Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib recently stated that work on the Malé–Vilimalé segment is progressing rapidly, with authorities targeting to complete and connect that section before the end of this year.
According to project officials, several major components of the bridge have already advanced significantly. Offshore piling work has largely been completed, while bridge pier construction, segment casting, pile caps and upper structural connections continue simultaneously across different sections of the project.
Afcons Infrastructure, the Indian contractor leading the project, has deployed thousands of workers and heavy engineering equipment to accelerate the pace of construction. Officials say difficult marine conditions, strong currents and rough seas between Malé and Vilimalé remain among the biggest engineering challenges affecting the project timeline.
The USD 500 million project is financed through a combination of Indian grant assistance and a line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India. Of the total amount, USD 100 million was provided as grant aid, while the remaining USD 400 million is being financed through concessional funding arrangements.
Authorities have repeatedly acknowledged delays in the project’s original completion schedule. While earlier targets projected completion by September 2026, government officials now say the full bridge network may extend into 2027 due to contractor delays and technical difficulties.
Despite the delays, the government says the project remains one of the country’s most transformative infrastructure developments. Once operational, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce congestion in Malé, improve transport connectivity, support industrial expansion in Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, and create new economic opportunities throughout the Greater Malé region.
