The India-funded Greater Malé Connectivity Project has reached a major construction milestone, with the final bridge segment linking Malé and Vilimalé officially installed.
The development establishes the physical bridge connection between the capital and Vilimalé, bringing the Maldives’ largest-ever infrastructure project a significant step closer to completion.
According to recent project updates, 76.1 percent of the Thilamalé Bridge project had been completed by mid-August. The entire 6.74-kilometre network will eventually connect Malé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi through a series of bridges, marine viaducts, causeways and roads.
“A big milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project,” the High Commission of India in the Maldives said, announcing that the final segment had been set in place.
The mission said the achievement brought seamless connectivity between the islands “one step closer.” The milestone was announced by the Indian High Commission on August 22.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam welcomed the progress, describing the project as an important example of the development partnership between the Maldives and India.
“I am pleased to see the significant progress made towards the completion of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project,” Adam said.
She attributed the momentum achieved in the project to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to delivering tangible results and advancing his development vision for the country.
Adam said she had emphasised the importance of accelerating India-supported projects during her discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in May 2026.
“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,” she said.
Former Foreign Minister and opposition leader Abdulla Shahid also welcomed the milestone, noting that the project had been launched during his 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,” Shahid said.
He also expressed appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for their leadership in advancing the project.
India is financing the GMCP through a USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million line of credit. The construction contract was awarded to Indian infrastructure company Afcons Infrastructure in 2021. The financing structure and 6.74-kilometre scope were confirmed when the agreement was signed.
The project includes three navigation bridges over deep channels, marine viaducts and road sections connecting the four islands.
Once operational, the network is expected to fundamentally change transportation within the Greater Malé region. Residents currently dependent on ferries and other marine transport will gain direct road access between Malé and Vilimalé and, eventually, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
The connection will also provide improved access to the Thilafushi industrial zone and the new commercial port planned for Gulhifalhu. These links are expected to facilitate the movement of workers, goods and commercial traffic while reducing pressure on the densely populated capital.
The government has announced that the complete bridge network is targeted to open to public transport in December 2027. The project stood at 76.1 percent completion as of August 18, 2026.
Beyond easing congestion, the Thilamalé Bridge is expected to unlock new opportunities for housing, port development, industry and investment across the western Greater Malé region—making it one of the most consequential development projects undertaken in the Maldives.
