Indian construction firm, AFCONS, signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives on August 26, 2021.

• This project is dubbed as The Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
• It will comprise of a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and islands of Villingli, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu.
• Project will be completed by Indian construction giant AFCONS.

Contract for Greater Male Connectivity – Male to Thilafushi Link Project was signed between the Ministry of National Planning, Housing & Infrastructure and AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd.

India has provided a grant of $100 million and a Line of Credit of $400 million to fund the project.

GMCP project is a bigger project than the Sinamale Bridge that was built with Chinese assistance. Sinamale Bridge connects Male with Hulhumale and Hulhule and was completed in the year 2018. GMCP project aims to connect four islands that accounts for half of Maldivian population. It will add dynamism to Maldivian transport and economic activities. It will connect Male with planned international port of Gulhifalhu and an industrial zone at Thilafushi. Project will use renewable energy and will utilise solar power for lighting purposes. GMCP project comprises of:

1. Three navigation bridges of 140 m span across a deep channel between four islands,
2. 41 km of marine viaduct in deep water
3. 32 km of marine viaduct in shallow water or on land
4. 96 km of at-grade roads.

Contract for GMCP project was signed following a bilateral consultation between India and the Maldives. It was under discussion since the visit of External Affairs Minister of India to Male in September 2019.