Ministry Invites Consultancy Firms For Rasmale’ Transport Master Plan
Finance Ministry invites firms to create Transport Master Plan and feasibility study for Male’-Rasmale’ link | Photo: HDC
The Ministry of Finance has invited consultancy firms to develop a Transport Master Plan and conduct a feasibility study for planned connectivity between Male’ and Rasmale’.
The announcement follows earlier plans by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to link the two islands through an underwater tunnel.
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According to the government, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure is seeking consultancy services to design a comprehensive plan that will ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable transport connections between Male’ and Rasmale’, as well as internal mobility within Rasmale’. Interested firms are required to demonstrate technical expertise, previous experience in similar assignments, and qualified professional staff. The consultant will be selected under the Quality and Cost-Based Selection methodology outlined in the Public Finance Regulation.
The Terms of Reference will be available on the ministry’s website from 9 December. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 24 December at 14:00 hrs.
Rasmale’ is being developed as the country’s largest housing project, inaugurated by President Muizzu on 18 December 2023. Although initial plans targeted completion of dredging within six months, the work has extended beyond two years. A specialised dredger has been deployed to the site, and the President has recently stated that dredging is now expected to conclude between March and April 2026.
In January 2024, President Muizzu announced that Rasmale’ and Male’ would be connected through what he described as the world’s first underwater tunnel with scenic views of the seabed. However, in October 2025, Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib stated that current technology could not support such a structure in open sea conditions. He said the vision remains ambitious but requires careful consideration of technical and financial feasibility.
The 2026 national budget, approved by the ruling PNC’s supermajority, includes MVR 799 million earmarked for bridges and tunnels, although the government has not provided further details on specific projects planned under this allocation.
