Thilamalé Bridge would boost trade, social connections, ease livelihoods and enhance every aspect of life – President

High-speed ferry network would free residents from the confines of their own islands, the President said.

• Trial runs initiated in the pilot phase of establishing high-speed ferry network in Boduthiladhunmathi.
• International cargo services have commenced at Maldives regional ports.
• Ground work of the Thilamale’ Bridge under the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is underway.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has delivered the Presidential Address at the opening of the People’s Majlis for the year 2022. Speaking at the first sitting of the first session of the Parliament for this year, President Solih recalled the administration's pledge to establish efficient, affordable, convenient and sustainable transportation services, and said the high-speed ferry network would free the people from the confines of their home islands.

Disclosing the details of the project, the President said that speed boats were transported to Kulhudhuffushi island yesterday and that trial runs for the pilot phase of establishing a high-speed ferry network in Boduthiladhunmathi were also carried out. The President highlighted that ground work of the Thilamalé Bridge under the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is underway and that it is the biggest infrastructure development project initiated in the country.

Furthermore, the President stated that international cargo services at Maldives regional ports were now operational. In this regard, the President revealed that goods transported to the country's northernmost atolls are handled by the national shipping company. He went on to say that, this cargo services were established during a time when the world was at a standstill due to the pandemic, in order to prevent the suspension of basic goods and food supply to the Maldives. President Solih stated that the company had made significant progress in a short period of time, acquiring a new vessel, as well as announcing opportunities for locals to train in the maritime sector. The President described the developments as a “revival of Maldives’ shipping industry.”