Uthuru Thila Falhu Naval Project On Track for January 2025 Completion

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that the development of naval infrastructure in Uthuru Thila Falhu is on track to be completed by January 2025.

In February 2021, the Maldives signed an agreement with India to collaborate on the development of a harbour and naval dockyard in this strategically significant area. It’s worth noting that the agreement had its origins in discussions that began in 2013 when the then-defence minister of the Maldives visited India. 

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During that visit, a hectare of land was reclaimed in Uthuru Thila Falhu, and concept designs and plans were shared between the two nations. Subsequently, the Action Plan on Defence Cooperation, signed in 2016, outlined a major military project for Uthuru Thila Falhu.

The current administration reconfirmed and refined this agreement in 2021, narrowing its focus. Under this renewed agreement, India is providing support for the construction of essential infrastructure, including a jetty, harbour repair facility, slipway, communication facilities, and radar services. Moreover, India will extend assistance for 15 years, encompassing training, local personnel development, and the upkeep of various facilities within the harbour and dockyard.

India-based Rail Vikas Nigam initiated fieldwork in January of this year under a civil contract. Progress in the development of the Coast Guard Ekatha Harbour in Uthuru Thila Falhu is noticeable, with land reclamation and coastal protection structures set to conclude by March. The project involves reclaiming 15 hectares of land to establish resources for the harbour, including a 300-meter berth, a medical facility, administrative buildings, maintenance facilities, and recreational amenities.

According to MNDF, the project remains on schedule for completion by January 2025. Following completion, the coastguard fleet stationed in Male’ and Hulhumale’ will be relocated to Uthuru Thila Falhu. This strategic move is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Maldivian military.

MNDF emphasizes that Uthuru Thila Falhu is under the complete control of the Maldivian military, with no foreign military personnel stationed in the area. MNDF has categorically rejected claims suggesting that Uthuru Thila Falhu is an Indian military base. 

The defence force has reassured the nation that it remains steadfast in safeguarding the Maldives’ national independence and sovereignty. Additionally, MNDF has expressed concerns about false claims that could potentially undermine the military’s operations and development.