Maldives' Largest Infra Project Reaches Milestone with India's Backing
The installation of the final bridge segment connecting Maldivian capital Male with Villingili island has been completed, marking a major step forward for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), the largest infrastructure initiative in the Maldives.
The project, also known as the Thilamale Bridge, will create a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway network linking Male with the adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. A contract for the undertaking was signed between the Maldives and India in 2021.
The Indian High Commission in the Maldives announced the milestone on social media platform X on Saturday, August 22, 2026. “A big milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project! The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili is officially set in place — bringing seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer,” the post read.
Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid also welcomed the progress. In a post on X, he stated, “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.”
Mr. Shahid further expressed gratitude to Indian leaders, saying, “Deep appreciation to PM @narendramodi, and EAM @DrSJaishankar, for their leadership in realising this vision for the Maldivian people.”
The GMCP is funded through a $100 million grant and a $400 million Line of Credit from India. The construction contract was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. According to project officials, over 75% of the work has been completed so far.
The project comprises three primary bridge links: the connection between Male and Villingili, the link between Villingili and Gulhifalhu, and the bridge connecting Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi.
The Indian High Commission earlier noted that the bridge, initiated during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, features the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world. The precast segments of the Thilamale Bridge superstructure will reach a height of 8.177 metres.
Enhancing regional connectivity has been a key priority for India and the Maldives. A direct cargo ferry service connecting Tuticorin in Kochi with Male and Kulhudhuffushi was started in September 2020. India has consistently described the Maldives as a key maritime neighbour and an important partner under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
