Male, Aug 23: The India-backed Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), the Maldives’ largest infrastructure initiative, has reached a major milestone with the installation of the final bridge segment connecting the capital Male with Villingili island.
The 6.74-km bridge and causeway project will connect Male with the neighbouring islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, significantly improving connectivity between the islands.
India in Maldives announced the milestone on Saturday, saying the final bridge segment connecting Male and Villingili had been successfully installed, bringing seamless connectivity between the islands closer.
Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid also welcomed the development, describing it as a major milestone for the project. He said the project reflected the strong India-Maldives partnership and India’s support for the country’s development.
The GMCP, also known as the Thilamale Bridge, is being implemented with Indian assistance comprising a USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million Line of Credit, making it the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.
The project contract was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. More than 75 per cent of the work has now been completed.
The project consists of three major bridge links: Male-Villingili, Villingili-Gulhifalhu and Gulhifalhu-Thilafushi.
According to the Indian High Commission in the Maldives, the bridge features the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world, with the superstructure segments reaching a height of 8.177 metres.
The project was initiated during the administration of former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and is aimed at strengthening connectivity and supporting economic development in the island nation.
India and the Maldives have identified regional connectivity as a key area of bilateral cooperation. India has also supported the Maldives through initiatives including a direct cargo ferry service connecting Tuticorin and Kochi with Male and Kulhudhuffushi.
India considers the Maldives an important maritime neighbour and a key partner under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
