The Transport Ministry is set to survey imposing toll fees on the Sinamalé Bridge and Highway next month.

The Ministry said in a presentation at the launch of the Malé Fahi program that a toll fee will be charged after consultation with all relevant agencies.

“The process of carrying out the necessary studies regarding establishing an enforceable toll fee system after consultation with the relevant state agencies for the sustainable maintenance of the bridge and highway will commence during coming August,” the Ministry said.

The toll fees on bridges and highways are being surveyed under the Malé Fahi program, the Transport Ministry said.

Toll fees from the Sinamalé Bridge and Highway are among the measures planned to increase revenue in 2026, 2027 and 2028.

The toll system was first discussed when China's CCCC carried out the bridge development during the administration of former President Abdullah Yameen. The Housing Ministry, Police and the Transport Authority were also in talks to charge a fee back then.

The 2018 budget also included more than MVR 56 million in toll fees from the Sinamalé Bridge and Highway. However, it was later decided not to charge a fee. The last government also decided not to charge a fee from the bridge.