Male, Maldives (CU)_ The ‘Pouring of First Concrete’ of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) has commenced. During the ceremony, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is on a four-day visit to India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi poured the first concrete for the GMCP. According to Modi’s media statement, “Just a short while ago, we welcomed the launch of the Greater Male connectivity project. It will be the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives”.
At the project launch and review event in Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India, the function was televised live. The project covers the construction of a bridge connecting Malé, Villimalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. Besides viaducts and on-grade roadways, navigation bridges will be built as part of the project. The project is supported by a USD 400 million credit line from the Indian Exim Bank and USD 100 million in funds from the Indian government. The mega project was given to the Indian business Afcons Infrastructure Limited.
At the launching event, a video overview of Maldives-India Development Cooperation was shown, highlighting the progress of the construction of 4,000 social housing units in the Maldives by the government of India. India continues its stance as a vital partner in the island nation’s infrastructure development, as several major projects have been completed in the island as a result of the close ties between Maldives and India.
Several large development initiatives are currently ongoing in the Maldives with the aid of the Indian government, demonstrating that the relationship between the two countries has grown substantially in recent years. During the former President Abdulla Yameen’s government, bilateral relations between the neighbors were not positive. Modi said, “Today, the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interests of the citizens of both countries but is also becoming a source of peace, stability, and prosperity for the region”. He added, “India has been and will continue to be the first responder in any need or crisis of Maldives”.
