India has extended an additional US$15 million for the construction of the Thila-Male Bridge, a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The grant will be utilized for labour and material required for the project. India had previously released US$ 60 million to kick off the project through the Indian EXIM Bank.

The development of Maldives' second over-water bridge is being financed by India, UNI news agency said. India has extended grant assistance of US$ 100 million and a further loan of US$ 400 million for the project, also called the Greater Male' Connectivity Project.

On August 26, an agreement was signed with India's Afcons Infrastructure to carry out the necessary surveys. The surveys will be carried out by a subcontractor of Afcons Infrastructure, Foresight Surveyors. Although the project's practical work is expected to commence early next year, it is unlikely that the work will conclude by the end of the current presidential term, avas.mv reported.

The Greater Male' Connectivity Project is a 6.7 km sea crossing link from the southwest corner of Male, running adjacent to the south shore of Villimale, then along the southern periphery of reclaimed land on Gulhifalhu, and terminating on land at Thilafushi. The main bridge component will be 1.4 km long. Traffic lights will be installed at the Male-Villimale junction, while a roundabout intersection will be at the Thilafushi-Gulhifalhu junction. The lights on the bridge will be solar-powered. The project is expected to reach completion in two years.

“India is committed to speedy implementation of this mega-infra project of Maldives", the Indian High Commission in Male said in a tweet. 

(SAM)