Malé Road Redevelopment Works Set to Begin in Early 2027

Works on Malé’s first comprehensive road redevelopment project in decades are set to begin in early 2027, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

Speaking on “The Pulse” podcast, President Muizzu said the Chinese grant-funded Malé Roads Development Project will bring modern infrastructure upgrades to the capital’s ageing road network.

He said the last major road development project carried out in Malé was during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, adding that years of insufficient maintenance have contributed to the current condition of many roads in the city.

The redevelopment will go beyond traditional road resurfacing, with plans to introduce a stormwater drainage system to reduce flooding, a dewatering network to support construction works, and an integrated fire hydrant system.

President Muizzu said improving roads alone will not permanently resolve congestion issues in Malé, noting that the government’s broader strategy is focused on reducing pressure on the capital through decentralisation.

He said expanding housing, public services and economic opportunities across the atolls will help create more balanced development nationwide, while road upgrades remain necessary to support the nearly 40 percent of the country’s population currently living in Malé.