Addu City’s Hankede Bridge Nears Completion : Set to Open in July

The Hankede Bridge, connecting Addu City’s Gaukendi and Maradhoo, is nearing completion and is set to open for public use in July. This significant infrastructure project, located in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, has reached 95 percent completion.
The Ministry of Construction & Infrastructure has been diligently working on the remaining tasks, including installing a crash barrier, affixing an expansion joint, and removing sand temporarily piled under the bridge. The Ministry shared an update on social media platform X, stating, "Preparations to open the bridge for public use in July, next month, are ongoing."
The Hankede Bridge is part of a broader project to establish a comprehensive water drainage system and develop roads across Addu City. This project, contracted to Indian company AFCONS Infrastructure in 2021, is funded under the Indian Exim Bank's Business Line of Credit Loan with a substantial budget of USD 77.6 million (MVR 1.1 billion). Originally set for completion within two years, the project has faced delays due to various setbacks.
AFCONS Infrastructure, also responsible for constructing the ThilaMale' Bridge connecting Male', Vilimale', Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, was assigned the task of building the bridge linking Gaukendi and Maradhoo islands. This detour bridge, crucial for the water drainage and road development project, aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation within Addu City.
Strategically located west of the Addu Link Road, the Hankede Bridge spans 1.5 kilometers in length and features four lanes. It effectively connects Gaukendi and Maradhoo without interfering with the island of Hankede. This new bridge is expected to significantly improve transportation and infrastructure, benefiting the local community and boosting economic activities in the region.
As the opening date approaches, the Ministry of Construction & Infrastructure continues to focus on completing the final touches to ensure the bridge is ready for safe and efficient public use. The completion of the Hankede Bridge marks a significant milestone in Addu City's infrastructure development, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving connectivity and supporting sustainable growth in the southern Maldives.