Public transport to Vilimale' encouraged, even after completion of bridge

The Planning Ministry has stated that public transport will be encouraged for transportation and that the true nature of Vilimale’ will not be disrupted with the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge. 

Shaana Farooq, Director General of Planning Ministry speaking in an online meeting with the public to disseminate information about the Greater Male’ Connectivity Bridge, said that the government’s plan was to keep Vilimale’ as it is. Vilimale’, is a small island located next to Male’ City and fuel-based vehicles are not allowed on the island. 

Shaana said that public transport vehicles will also not be able to enter the island and special points for disembarking will be designated. 

She also said that the beach area of Vilimale’ would not be closed for the work on the bridge after public views. The public will be informed of designated days where it could be advised against beach activity and swimming activity due to a perceived higher risk based on the schedule of the work. 

The island will be connected with Male’ City with buses and residents of Vilimale’ will have a designated parking area for vehicles that could accommodate up to 600 motorcycles.

Other details shared regarding the bridge project showed that each lane on the bridge will have space of 11 feet in addition to a three-meter walkway for pedestrians. A utility corridor is to be established for the side of the bridge towards the sea. 

The nearly 6.7-kilometer

bridge will connect Male’ Vilimale’, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. A period of 33 months is set out for the project in which 1,000 laborers could take part. 

The bridge project is funded by a USD 400 million loan by India’s Exim Bank which is to be repaid after five years of completing the bridge. The repayment period is set as 20 years.