Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has stated that there are no quality concerns in the Thilamalé Bridge linking Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, amid discussions circulating on social media regarding the structure of the bridge.

Speaking to the media during a site visit organised to showcase progress of the project alongside the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, the minister said some social media posts had questioned whether sections of the bridge contained bends or depressions. Responding to the claims, he said the structure was developed through detailed engineering and design processes, noting that the appearance seen from a distance was an optical illusion rather than a construction flaw.

The minister explained that the bridge is being assembled through interconnected structural segments and said any actual defect in alignment would prevent the segments from fitting together properly. He added that the completed bridge would stand as a major engineering and construction achievement for the Maldives.

Minister Dr Muththalib speaking to the press during the visit --- Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

The ministry confirmed that the Thilamalé Bridge project has now reached 72.17 per cent completion. Current works include casting and installing bridge deck segments, with around 86 per cent of the required 1,222 segments already cast and approximately 60 per cent installed. Road construction works connecting the bridge to Gulhifalhu are also progressing, while revetment and culvert works continue in Thilafushi. Authorities previously confirmed that piling works have been completed with 263 piles installed across 68 locations.

Minister Dr Muththalib had earlier stated that the Government is working to complete the project as quickly as possible, although the bridge is unlikely to be completed within the original timeline. Discussions are currently underway to extend the project deadline to allow the contractor to continue work without penalties, while the Government has ruled out terminating the existing contract due to concerns over further delays and additional financial losses.

The bridge project is being carried out by Afcons Infrastructure with financial assistance from the Government of India. The USD 500 million project includes USD 400 million under a Line of Credit from India’s Exim Bank and an additional USD 100 million in grant assistance from the Indian government.

The project was awarded in September 2021 during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. According to the government, overall project completion stood at around 29 per cent when the current Administration assumed office, with the bridge expected to be completed and opened in 2027.