Physical works on a major project to modernise Malé’s road network are expected to begin by early 2027 at the latest, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said.
The President made the announcement during the fourth episode of The Pulse podcast, released on Thursday, which focused on the development of Malé’s road network.
President Muizzu said the last major road development project in Malé took place during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, adding that the capital’s roads had since suffered from years of insufficient maintenance.
The Malé Roads Development Project, funded through a grant from the Government of China, will modernise the city’s road infrastructure while introducing systems designed to address key challenges. The project will include a stormwater drainage network to reduce flooding, a dewatering system to support construction and an integrated fire hydrant network.
The President also provided an update on the separate redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu. He said the second phase, extending from Izzuddin Jetty to Barceló Nasandhura, has been completed and the road is expected to open next week.
The project includes a parking facility with capacity for 500 motorcycles. According to the President, traffic assessments indicate that the completed road will improve traffic flow along Boduthakurufaanu Magu and surrounding roads.
Once this phase opens, redevelopment will begin on the section between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Rasfannu, which President Muizzu described as the most deteriorated section of the road.
He said the redevelopment would improve connectivity to Malé’s market area, commercial district and wider transport network. The road widening works will involve land reclamation, but the President said the project would not create additional difficulties for port users, as the reclaimed area will provide additional berthing space and will be protected by seawalls on three sides.
Addressing congestion in the capital, President Muizzu said road construction alone would not provide a long-term solution. He said the government’s broader strategy involves decentralising housing, public services and economic opportunities through regional development to reduce pressure on Malé.
The President added that ongoing road and housing projects would address the immediate needs of the capital, where nearly 40 per cent of the country’s population lives, while also supporting the government’s broader goal of achieving more balanced development across the Maldives.
