1 week ago
Final Malé–Villingili Link Advances India-Backed Maldives Connectivity Project
The Maldives is building a large network of bridges, roads and viaducts called the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
A final bridge piece connecting Malé to Villingili has now been installed.
The project is also known as the Thilamalé Bridge.
It is more than three-quarters complete as of mid-2026.
When finished, it will connect four islands and areas around the capital.
India is helping pay for it with grants and loans totaling $500 million.
People who now travel between islands by boat are expected to have easier connections.
Officials say the project could reduce traffic and help businesses and residents.
The final bridge segment connecting Malé and Villingili has been officially installed.
The Greater Malé Connectivity Project is more than 75% complete as of mid-2026.
The 6.74-kilometre project will connect Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
India is providing $500 million through a $100 million grant and $400 million line of credit.
The project is expected to ease congestion, improve inter-island travel and support economic development.
- Who
- The Maldives government, India, Indian contractor Afcons Infrastructure, and officials including Dr. Muizzu, Iruthisham Adam, S. Jaishankar and Abdulla Shahid.
- What
- The final bridge segment linking Malé and Villingili was installed as part of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
- Where
- The Greater Malé area of the Maldives, linking Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
- When
- The milestone was reported on August 23, with the project more than 75% complete as of mid-2026.
- Why
- To improve inter-island connectivity, ease congestion in Malé, improve access to industrial and port facilities, support decentralisation and reduce pressure on the capital’s limited land.
Key facts
- Project
- Greater Malé Connectivity Project, also known as the Thilamalé Bridge
- Length
- 6.74 kilometres
- Completion status
- More than 75% complete as of mid-2026
- Indian funding
- $500 million: a $100 million grant and a $400 million line of credit
- Contractor
- Afcons Infrastructure
- Main links
- Malé–Villingili, Villingili–Gulhifalhu and Gulhifalhu–Thilafushi
- Expected benefits
- Reduced congestion, easier travel, improved access to industrial and port facilities, and support for decentralisation
Quotes
India in Maldives
The Indian diplomatic mission in the Maldives, posting on X.
“A major milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project today! Honoured to have launched this project during my tenure as Foreign Minister. The Maldives–India friendship is built on trust and shared progress. This link is a symbol of that commitment and of India’s support for Maldives’ development.”
wionews.com
theprint.in
“GMCP is a flagship example of Maldives–India cooperation, demonstrating how sustained bilateral engagement, institutional coordination and project-based cooperation can translate our partnership into tangible outcomes for our people and further strengthen the enduring ties between our two countries.”
wionews.com
Sources
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