What signing of the $500m India-Maldives mega-infra project means

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:

1. Greater Male Connectivity Project is the largest ever infrastructure project in the Maldives.
2. 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. 
3. The project was funded by India in a grant of $100 million with a line of credit of $400 million.

Significance of the Project:

1. The project is significant because it facilitates inter-island connectivity in the country.
2. 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.
3. 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.