President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the Thilamale' bridge project.

Speaking at the 'Baajjaveri Hendhuneh' programme to mark the anniversary of The Voice of Maldives, President Dr. Muizzu said he met PM Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in the United Arab Emirates and stated that the construction of the bridge would be expedited if a high-level committee was formed to discuss the technical aspects of the bridge.

"During my meeting with the Prime Minister on the sidelines, I officially requested that I want to expedite the bridge project. That this would be most beneficial for both countries," he said.

President Dr. Muizzu stated that the Thilamale' bridge is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 or early 2027, adding that he believes the project should be completed sooner. He said the bridge should be completed by early 2025 at least.

The construction of the Thilamale' bridge is being carried out by Afcons, India. The bridge construction work is not going as per the schedule given by the company.

Speeding up the construction of the Thillamale' Bridge is a presidential pledge by President Dr. Muizzu.