Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said a special initiative involving all relevant Government agencies has been launched to address traffic congestion in Malé City.

The Minister made the remarks during Tuesday's press briefing at the President's Office, stating that the initiative was launched by the Government to identify sustainable solutions to traffic-related challenges in the capital.

Minister Saeed said the ongoing project to upgrade Boduthakurufaanu Magu is expected to significantly ease congestion on Malé's roads. He added that efforts are also underway to address parking issues as part of the wider initiative.

The initiative brings together the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and the Maldives Police Service to develop practical solutions to traffic and parking issues in Malé.

He said the Government is consulting relevant stakeholders while taking public feedback into consideration to introduce further measures aimed at improving traffic flow.

Minister Saeed noted that Malé is among the world's most densely populated cities, resulting in high demand for transport services. He added that, with the continued development of Hulhumalé Phase III and increasing movement between Malé and Hulhumalé via the Sinamalé Bridge, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has instructed authorities to pursue sustainable long-term solutions to the issue.

The Minister also expressed hope for the full cooperation of the Malé City Council in implementing the initiative, noting that addressing traffic congestion requires collaboration among all relevant stakeholders.