China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was recently opened for traffic. It is first cross-sea bridge to be built in Maldives.

• It was China’s flagship infrastructure project in Maldives.
• It is considered as iconic project of China and Maldives cooperation towards building 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
• It is 2.2 km long bridge and has four vehicle lanes and two pedestrian lanes.
• It connects Maldives capital city Male and neighbouring Hulhule island where island country’s main international airport is located.
• It will allow locals and tourists to transfer between the two islands on land within five minutes.

The bridge was built with Chinese grant of $116 million. Apart from the grant, China also had provided $72 million as loan for 1.4 km section bridge as top up to the grant.