Parades and traffic control for 60th Independence Day celebrations

As part of the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives, the Transport Ministry has implemented special traffic management and parade arrangements in Malé and Hulhumalé from Friday until Sunday.

According to a circular issued by the Transport Ministry on Thursday, vehicular movement is banned at certain times and locations of Male’ city area to ensure road safety during Independence Day celebrations, reduce congestion and ease security work. 

On Friday only some vehicles will be banned from driving in the city area from 1300 hrs to 1800 hrs. The vehicles that will be banned are:

• Light cargo vessels

• Vehicles used for a specific purpose

• Heavy cargo vessels

• Moderate cargo vessels

• Towed vehicles

However, all types of vehicles will be prohibited from driving in the city area from 1500 hrs to 1800 hrs on Saturday, which is independence day, and the vehicles listed above will be banned on the streets from 1800 hrs to 0000 hrs the following Sunday as well.

Even during these hours, vehicles and ambulances used by the police and the armed forces, as well as public buses will continue as per regulations, the circular read. Vehicular movement restriction like this is usually associated with various festivals and important days.

Additionally, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has also announced on Thursday that parades will be held in Male' on Saturday and Hulhumale' on Sunday to mark the country's 60th Independence Day, starting at 1615 hrs on both days. 

According to MNDF, the parade will begin on Saturday with a march-past along with other festivities at the Republic Square in Male’, while Sunday's parade will begin in front of the synthetic track on Hithigasmagu in Hulhumale’.

Areas where the parade will stop for standstill performances in Male' city:

• Starting from Velanaage curb to front of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy building

• The junction of Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu

• In front of Million Bookshop on Majeedhee Magu in Maafannu ward

• Northwest curb of MNDF Kalhuthuh'kalaa Barracks in Maafannu ward

Areas where the parade will stop for standstill performances in Hulhumale':

• Starting from in front of the synthetic running track, at the eastern entrance to Central Park

• Western side of SIFCO/POLCO flats

Along with MNDF soldiers, school cadets will also participate in the Independence Day parade.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Maldives on Friday evening, and will take part in the Independence Day celebrations. While Modi’s trip is a state visit at the behest of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, he will officiate and participate in Independence day festivities. During his visit, Modi is expected to formally inaugurate a number of collaborative projects between Maldives and India.