Malé-Villingili Link Completed as Thilamalé Bridge Moves to Final Works

The final structural connection between Malé and Villingili under the Thilamalé Bridge project has been completed, marking a major milestone in the Maldives’ flagship Greater Malé connectivity initiative.

Indian infrastructure company Afcons Infrastructure, the main contractor for the project, has completed the final segment today linking the two islands. With the main bridge structure now connected, the project is entering its finishing phase.

The remaining works include the installation of safety railings, street lighting and other necessary components before the bridge can be opened for public use. Afcons has clarified that the completion of the structural connection does not mean the bridge is ready for traffic, as all finishing and safety works must be completed before it is opened.

The Thilamalé Bridge forms part of the wider Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), which is designed to establish a direct transport network between Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The 6.7-kilometre connectivity link consists of bridges and causeways connecting the four islands.

Construction is progressing simultaneously across the project area. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development road works linking the bridge to Gulhifalhu are advancing rapidly, while revetment works associated with the bridge are currently being carried out in Thilafushi.

The project is expected to significantly improve movement between the islands and create stronger transport links to areas earmarked for future housing, commercial and economic development. It is also expected to reduce pressure on Malé by improving access to neighbouring islands and supporting the expansion of the Greater Malé urban area.

The project carries an estimated price tag of around USD 500 million, equivalent to more than MVR 7 billion. Financing includes a USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million Line of Credit from the Government of India, alongside contributions from the Maldivian government.

The government has placed the completion of the connectivity project among its major infrastructure priorities and has sought to accelerate construction through cooperation with the Indian government and Afcons Infrastructure.

The administration has set a target to complete the Thilamalé Bridge project by the end of 2027, after which the completed connectivity network is expected to become a key component of the Greater Malé transport system.

With the Malé-Villingili structural link now in place, attention will shift toward completing the remaining bridge and road infrastructure and preparing the network for eventual public use.