Major Road Modernisation Project in Malé to Begin by Early 2027: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that physical works on the first major project to comprehensively modernise Malé's road network in decades will begin, at the latest, by early 2027.

The announcement was made during the fourth episode of The Pulse podcast, which focused on the development of Malé's road infrastructure. During the programme, the President addressed public concerns and responded to questions from One Online.

President Muizzu said the last large-scale road development project in Malé was carried out during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Since then, he noted, the capital's road network has suffered years of neglect and has not received the level of maintenance required.

He explained that the Malé Roads Development Project, funded through a grant from the Government of China, will introduce modern infrastructure alongside the reconstruction of roads. The project will include a stormwater drainage system to reduce flooding, a dewatering system to facilitate construction, and an integrated fire hydrant network.

The President also highlighted the ongoing redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, which is being implemented separately from the Chinese grant-funded project. He said the second phase of the project, stretching from Izzuddin Jetty to Barceló Nasandhura, has been completed and is expected to open to traffic next week.

According to the President, the project also includes a dedicated parking facility with space for 500 motorcycles. Traffic assessments indicate that the upgraded road will improve traffic flow not only along Boduthakurufaanu Magu but also across the surrounding road network.

Following the completion of this phase, redevelopment will begin on the section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Rasfannu. Describing it as the most deteriorated stretch of the road, President Muizzu said the project will significantly improve access to Malé's market area, commercial district and the wider transport network.

The President further assured that the road widening works, which involve land reclamation, will not create additional inconvenience for port users. Instead, the reclaimed area, protected by seawalls on three sides, will provide extra berthing space for vessels.

Addressing traffic congestion in the capital, President Muizzu stressed that infrastructure development alone would not provide a lasting solution. He said the Government's long-term strategy is to reduce congestion by decentralising housing, public services and economic opportunities through regional development, easing pressure on Malé.

He added that while road and housing projects are designed to meet the immediate needs of Malé—home to nearly 40 per cent of the country's population—they also form part of the Government's broader vision to achieve balanced national development and provide a sustainable solution to congestion in the capital.