Under the GMCP, a six point seven four kilometre bridge and causeway link is being built to connect the capital city Malé with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. A contract for implementation was signed in 2021 and the construction agreement was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on 26 August 2021, with more than 75 per cent of the project now completed. The project comprises three primary bridge links connecting Malé with Villingili, Villingili with Gulhifalhu, and Gulhifalhu with Thilafushi. Officials framed the link as instrumental in reducing travel times and supporting logistics for the island economy.
The GMCP is funded under a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit of USD 400 million from India and is described as the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives. The Indian High Commission noted that the bridge includes the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world and said these superstructure segments will reach a height of eight point one seven seven metres. More than three quarters of the engineering and precast operations have been completed, according to mission statements.
Officials and analysts said the project reflects an emphasis on enhancing regional connectivity under India’s neighbourhood policy and was initiated during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. A direct cargo ferry service linking Tuticorin and Kochi with Malé and Kulhuffushi, launched in September 2020, has already bolstered trade and complements the road link. The work is presented as part of broader cooperation under Vision MAHASAGAR, which aims at mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across the region.