India-Funded Thilamale Bridge Hits 60% Milestone: Piling Phase Complete, World’s Tallest Precast Segments Next

The landmark Thilamale Bridge project in the Maldives, financed by India, has achieved a major milestone with over 60% of construction now complete. The conclusion of the challenging piling phase, involving the installation of 263 piles across 68 onshore and offshore locations, marks a significant leap forward for this transformative infrastructure initiative.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Piling Phase Concluded: Infrastructure Minister Abdulla Muthalib announced the successful completion of piling works, the most technically demanding part of the project, bringing overall completion to 60.84%.

 

Engineering Marvel: The 6.7 km Thilamale Bridge will feature the world’s tallest precast segments, each reaching 8.2 meters, setting new global engineering benchmarks.

 

Indian Support: The project’s total estimated cost is USD 500 million, with USD 400 million provided through a line of credit from India’s EXIM Bank and an additional USD 100 million as a grant from the Indian government.

 

Regional Connectivity: Once finished, the bridge will link the Maldivian capital Male with key islands, including Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, dramatically improving transportation and economic integration.

 

Project Timeline: Originally slated for completion last year, the project has faced revised deadlines but continues to progress steadily under the execution of India’s Afcons Infrastructure.

 

Strategic Partnership: The Thilamale Bridge stands as a testament to the deepening India-Maldives partnership and India’s growing role in regional infrastructure development.

 

Sources: Metro Vaartha, Economic Times, Edition.mv, MM TV