India Finances Maldives's Biggest Infrastructure Project

India announced its support for the largest infrastructure project of Maldives--the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) till date. India will provide funding of $500 million for the project which that will increase connectivity between the country. The $500 financial package consists of a grant of $100 million and a new Line of Credit (LOC) of $400 million. The project will connect capital Male with Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu via bridges and causeways of the total length of 6.695 kilometres. Out of the total length, the bridge-section will be 2.08 km, 780m causeway section and 3.87 km embankment and causeway section. In Gulhifahu which is part of Greater Male Connectivity Project, a port is being developed under India's LoC worth $800 million. Under Indian Line of Credit several projects are already in construction including water supply and sewerage systems on 34 Island, Hanimadhoo International Airport redevelopment, construction of international cricket stadium in Hulhumale, a cancer hospital in Hulhumale spanning the country's geographical from the northernmost to the southernmost islands of Maldives. Other than internal connectivity, plans to connect to India-Maldives are also underway. The cargo ferry service between Cochin to Kulhudhufushi-Male will be operationalised within the next few months.