India-funded Malé-Villingili span set in Greater Malé Connectivity Project

The final bridge segment linking Malé and Villingili has been set in place under the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. The milestone advances India-backed island connectivity and underlines deep Maldives-India development ties.Stock photo used for illustrationThe final bridge segment connecting Mal with Villingili has been set in place, marking a major milestone in the India-funded Greater Mal Connectivity Project, according to posts by India in Maldives and former Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid on Saturday.Under the project, a 6.74-km bridge and causeway link is being built to connect Mal with the adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The project, also known as the Thilamale Bridge, is funded through an Indian grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit of USD 400 million, and is the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.In 2021, the Maldives and India sealed a contract for the implementation of the project. The contract for the Thilamale Bridge project was awarded to India's Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021, and more than 75 per cent of the work has now been completed. The project comprises three main bridge links: Mal to Villingili, Villingili to Gulhifalhu, and Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi.India in Maldives said in a post on X, "A big milestone for the Greater Mal Connectivity Project! The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili is officially set in place - bringing seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer." Shahid also welcomed the development. In a post on X, he said, "A major milestone for the Greater Mal 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." He also expressed "deep appreciation" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "Deep appreciation to PM @narendramodi, and EAM @DrSJaishankar, for their leadership in realising this vision for the Maldivian people," the post read.The Indian High Commission in the Maldives had earlier said the bridge, which was initiated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, features the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world. According to the High Commission, 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, Kochi, Mal and Kulhuffushi was started in September 2020. India has said the Maldives is its key maritime neighbour and an important partner in its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision 'MAHASAGAR', or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. With the final bridge segment between Mal and Villingili now in place, the project has crossed another key stage as work continues on the wider island link. With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 23, 2026 11:50 IST