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Source: Indian Express and The Hindu
What is the News?
India and Maldives have signed a pact for the construction of a $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project.
About Greater Male Connectivity Project:
- Greater Male Connectivity Project is the largest ever infrastructure project in the Maldives.
- The project involves the construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link that will connect the Maldives capital Malé with the neighbouring islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
- The project was funded by India in a grant of $100 million with a line of credit of $400 million.
Significance of the Project:
- The project is significant because it facilitates inter-island connectivity in the country.
- This is needed as 40% of the entire population of the Maldives lives in Malé making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
- Hence, the development of other inhabited islands by inter-connectivity and equipping them with civic facilities would incentivise people to relocate to other islands, reducing the burden on Malé.
Note: Sinamalé Bridge is a 1.39 km long bridge built by the Chinese Government. The bridge connects Malé with the islands of Hulhulé and Hulhumalé.
