Maldives’ biggest infrastructure project advances with India's support as Malé-Villingili link is installed
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Maldives’ biggest infrastructure project advances with India's support as Malé-Villingili link is installed")
India backed Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP)
The Indian High Commission in the Maldives described the development as “a big milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project,” saying the installation brings “seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer.”
The final bridge segment linking the Maldivian capital Malé with the neighbouring island of Villingili has been officially set in place, marking a significant step forward for the country’s largest infrastructure project. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), also known as the Thilamalé Bridge, is more than 75% complete as of mid-2026. Once finished, the 6.74-kilometre network of bridges, viaducts and roads will connect Malé with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi, areas that together house nearly half the nation’s population.
The Indian High Commission in the Maldives described the development as “a big milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project,” saying the installation brings “seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer.”
Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam welcomed the progress. “I am pleased to see the significant progress made towards the completion of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). The momentum achieved under the leadership of President Dr. Muizzu reflects his commitment to delivering tangible results and advancing his development vision for the Maldives,” she said.
Adam noted that during bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in May 2026, she had stressed the need to accelerate ongoing projects. “GMCP is a flagship example of Maldives–India cooperation, demonstrating how sustained bilateral engagement, institutional coordination and project-based cooperation can translate our partnership into tangible outcomes for our people and further strengthen the enduring ties between our two countries.”
Opposition leader and former Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Shahid hailed the achievement. “A major milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project today! Honored 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 said, expressing appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar.
India is funding the project with $500 million, $100 million as a grant and $400 million as a line of credit. Indian contractor Afcons Infrastructure is carrying out the work. The scheme, first proposed during a 2019 visit by India’s external affairs minister and contracted in 2021, includes three navigation bridges over deep channels, extensive marine viaducts and at-grade roads.
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The project is expected to ease chronic congestion in densely packed Malé, where residents currently depend on boats for inter-island travel. It will improve access to the industrial zone on Thilafushi and a planned new port at Gulhifalhu, support decentralisation and reduce pressure on the capital’s limited land. Officials view it as a potential economic catalyst that will transform daily life and regional connectivity across the Greater Malé area.
