India Completes Major Development Projects in Addu City
The Indian government has completed and handed over three significant development projects in Addu City, Maldives, under the Indian Line of Credit facility.
The projects—land reclamation, beach protection, and the construction of the Hankendi Bridge—were formally inaugurated by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, alongside the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, and the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Abdullah Mutalib.
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https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1822639811405992211
The land reclamation project saw the reclamation of a total of 184.3 hectares in Addu City. This includes 80 hectares in Hithadhoo, 76 hectares in Maradhoo, and 3.3 hectares in Feydhoo. Additionally, three islands were created, encompassing 8.3 hectares for tourism purposes and 4.72 hectares from Hankendi. The Addu City Council has officially named these newly formed islands.
As part of the Addu Beach Protection Project, 7 kilometres of coastline have been stabilised and safeguarded. The government has highlighted that this reclamation effort will enhance tourism and economic opportunities across Addu City. The project is also expected to help alleviate the housing challenges faced by residents.
In addition, the Hankendi Bridge, a four-lane detour link road developed in the southwest of Hankendi Island for tourism development, has been completed. The bridge project began in 2021 and is a key component of the city’s broader infrastructure development plans.
Following the project’s completion, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Hankendi Integrated Tourism Development Project, one of the largest tourism initiatives in Addu City. This project aims to develop 1,041 rooms with a capacity of 2,082 tourist beds.
The Hankendi Bridge was constructed in conjunction with the city’s road construction project, which is now nearing completion. The contracts for these projects were awarded to AFCONS, an Indian company also responsible for the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge. The total value of the project is estimated at USD 77.23 million.
