The Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has stated that the geo-piling boat, ‘Rumailah’, has been sent off since it was not needed for the Thilamale’ Bridge construction project at the moment.
Speaking about this, the Project Manager of Thilamale’ Bridge, Mohamed Jinan, assured the vessel was sent off since there were no ongoing tasks for which it was required, and added that there were no other reasons behind the decision.
The large, elevated, and platform-like vessel has been used to install geo-pile lines and other bridge structures between Male’ and Vilimale’. The vessel was brought to the Maldives by the Thilamale’ Bridge contractor Afcons Infrastructure, sometime during 2022.
“We have all the necessary equipment needed for the bridge construction, and the work is proceeding according to schedule,” Jinan said.
The contractor is currently working on installing two bridge pillars outside Male’ and six more pillars in Vilimale’ lagoon.
The ministry said that the first phase of the Thilamale’ Bridge project, which involves connecting the Maldives capital city with Vilimale’ will conclude by December 2022, and the entire project will be completed in 2024.
The project was contracted to Afcons Infrastructure for a total cost of USD 500 million on 26th August 2021. The Thilamale’ Bridge project will see Male’ City connected from its western coast to Vilimale’, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu via a 6.7-kilometer bridge.
The project is funded through the a line of credit of USD 400 million by EXIM Bank of India, and a USD 100 million grant extended by the Indian government.