Thilamale Bridge Progress Slows As Gov’t Warns Deadline May Be Missed, Says Minister
Thilamale Bridge project progressing slower than planned | Photo: Construction Ministry
Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib has acknowledged that construction of the Thilamale Bridge is advancing more slowly than the government had anticipated, raising concerns over whether the contractor will meet the agreed completion deadline.
The minister addressed the issue during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s meeting with residents of Villimale yesterday. He stated that work beneath the seabed has been completed and construction of the superstructure is ongoing, but progress remains below expectations. He indicated that meeting the contractual deadline may no longer be feasible.
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Dr Muthalib said he plans to meet the Indian Ambassador on Monday to discuss ways to accelerate the project. He noted that Afcons Infrastructure, the contractor responsible for the bridge, is relatively new to a project of this scale and has encountered challenges.
According to the Infrastructure Ministry, 66 percent of the project has been completed. Officials confirmed that piling work for the pillars is finished, 98 percent of pile cap work is complete, 75 percent of the pre-cast deck segments have been produced, and 36 percent of the pillar connections are in place.
The project is funded through a USD 400 million loan from India’s Exim Bank. In April, the Indian High Commission stated that the bridge will include what is expected to be the world’s tallest underwater precast structure, measuring 8.2 metres in height and 25.3 metres in width.
Construction began in August 2021 under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The original completion date was set for last year, but delays resulted in a supplementary agreement extending the deadline into 2025.
