Muizzu Appeals to PM Modi for Swift Thilamale’ Bridge Progress
Photo: President’s Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has disclosed that he asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the construction of Thilamale’ Bridge, a project assigned to an Indian company by the previous administration.
The project, which has faced criticism for its sluggish progress, had its deadline extended during the final days of the former administration.
Muizzu stated that the Thilamale’ Bridge is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. He emphasised the need for acceleration during a meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 in Dubai earlier this month.
Muizzu, formerly overseeing the Sinamale’ Bridge construction, expressed his desire to progress the Thilamale’ Bridge project at a pace similar to the successful Sinamale’ Bridge. However, he noted a significant delay during the former administration, citing over one and a half years spent on installing the bridge’s pillars.
Despite aspirations for an early 2025 completion, Muizzu acknowledged that the most likely timeline for Thilamale’ Bridge completion is 2026. The initial agreement set a deadline of the end of the following year, but a supplementary agreement extended it to September 30, 2026.
Currently, only 29 percent of Thimale’ Bridge has been completed since its contract with India’s Afcons Infrastructure in August 2021. The former administration openly admitted to the project’s slower-than-expected progress.