Survey for the Male’-Thilafushi link bridge developed under the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP) is underway.
The survey component of the project is carried out by Foresight Surveyors Private Limited, a subcontractor of India’s Afcons Infrastructure. Maldives Transport Authority revealed the survey will be carried out from October 28, 2021 until February 22, 2022.
The survey will be carried out across a 1 kilometre wide area from the southwest of Male’ until the southeast area of Thilafushi. The transport authority urged vessels travelling in the region to be mindful of the survey boat and divers active in the survey.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone. The project involves developing a 6.7-kilometre sea crossing link from the southwest corner of Male', running adjacent to the south shore of Villimale’, then along the southern periphery of the reclaimed island of Gulhifalhu and terminating on the reclaimed island of Thilafushi. The project scope includes the construction of three navigation bridges, viaducts, and on-grade roads.
The project is funded through a USD 400 million line of credit from Indian EXIM Bank and by a USD 100 million grant from the Government of India.