Maldives Crosses Historic Infrastructure Milestone: Male’ and Vilimale’ Officially Linked via Thilamale’ Bridge

In a landmark moment for the Maldives' national infrastructure, the capital island of Male’ and neighbouring suburban island of Vilimale’ have been physically linked following the successful placement of the final bridge segment on the Thilamale’ Bridge project.

The critical phase began hours earlier as engineering crews initiated the casting and launching of the connecting span. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development subsequently confirmed that the two islands are now officially joined by physical structure. 

With this achievement, overall progress on the massive 6.7-kilometer bridge network has reached 76 percent, supported by the completion of all complex underwater foundation and marine construction work.

As the largest single infrastructure development in the history of the Greater Male’ area, the project has presented formidable engineering challenges. Spanning open ocean channels, the Thilamale’ Bridge is six times larger than the country’s first sea-crossing, the Sinamale’ Bridge. Contractors have had to navigate deep waters, strong currents, and intricate technical demands to maintain momentum.

Valued at USD 500 million (MVR 7.7 billion), the mega-project is being constructed by Indian engineering giant Afcons Infrastructure. Financial backing for the project underscores close bilateral relations, funded through a USD 400 million Line of Credit from India’s EXIM Bank paired with a USD 100 million direct grant from the Indian government. 

Once entirely completed, the bridge will transform regional transport, seamlessly connecting Male’, Vilimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi to drive economic expansion across the archipelago.