Major Transport Reforms Announced for Greater Male’ Area
The Greater Male’ Area has been declared a registration-controlled zone as part of new transport reforms announced by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has announced a series of major transport and traffic management reforms for the Greater Male’ Area, revealing that under Law 16/26, the region has officially been declared a registration-controlled zone.
Speaking at a press conference today, Minister Saeed confirmed the establishment of the Greater Male’ Transport Mobility Office, complete with a newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and dedicated resources to directly manage mobility and resolve traffic issues.
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To guide the new office, the government has created a multi-agency Ministerial Committee named the Road Safety Council. The council includes the Minister of Economic Development, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, the Attorney General, Minister of Construction, Infrastructure and Urban Development and the Commissioner of Police.
“This is a huge change. Previously, when the Transport Authority existed or when policy rested solely within the Transport ministry, these decisions were made in isolation, which slowed down work across government,” Minister Saeed said. “With President Muizzu’s vision and insight, establishing this office and declaring the Greater Male’ Area a registration-controlled zone is a targeted effort to make this region a comfortable, livable place for citizens.”
The Road Safety Council held its inaugural meeting yesterday and will convene again today to execute priority directions set by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu aimed at securing immediate traffic relief.
As part of the initial phase, authorities have selected four major roads to undergo design overhauls. The Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office plans to consult directly with residents on these street redesigns.
“Everyone experiences difficulties when vehicles are parked right at road corners, and we haven’t seen an adequate solution for this yet,” Minister Saeed noted. “We are currently designing these streets to ensure a better solution and, overall, to provide quick relief to the public, parking will be allowed on one side of the road, not both.”
The government is also restructuring operation schedules for heavy vehicles and delivery trucks, focusing heavily on reducing peak-hour congestion on the Sinamale’ bridge. Minister Saeed emphasised that these adjustments are being made in close consultation with business owners to avoid placing an undue economic burden on commercial operations.
“For the past four months, our team has been actively engaging with business owners. The biggest concerns involve the timing for gas cylinder and water deliveries, and we are listening closely to those voices,” he explained.
Minister Saeed added that the finalised transport policy is expected to be published in the Government Gazette within a week.
According to the Minister, to address the severe parking shortage, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved two new multi-storey parking facilities. Final details are being arranged for a building at Heenaamaage, while another facility is planned near the university on Sosun Magu, with both projects targeted for completion before November next year.
