The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced that travel between Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi will be restricted starting this Thursday, December 7, as the installation of pillars for the Thilamale’ Bridge project begins.

In a statement posted on social media, the ministry confirmed that pillar installation will take place in the channel between the two islands as part of the ongoing Male’-Thilafushi link development initiative. As a result, the channel will remain closed to all travel, and the ministry advised against crossing the area during this period.

Additionally, the Male’-Vilimale’ and Vilimale’-Gulhifalhu channels are also closed due to the bridge's construction, and travel through these routes will remain restricted until further notice.

The Thilamale’ Bridge project is a major infrastructure development aimed at linking Male’, Thilafushi, Vilimale’, and Gulhifalhu islands. In October, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, reported that 45.82% of the project had already been completed. While President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu initially set the project's completion target for 2026, he has expressed hopes of finishing it ahead of schedule, with an aim for completion by early 2025.