Sinamalé Bridge
Bridge connecting Malé and Hulhumalé in the Maldives
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The Sinamalé Bridge (Dhivehi: ސިނަމާލެ ފާލަން; lit. 'China-Malé Bridge') links the islands of Malé, Hulhulé and Hulhumalé in the Maldives.[1] The 1.39 km long bridge has two car lanes and separate lanes for motorcycles, and pedestrians,[2] and opened on 30 August 2018. It was originally called the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge due to funding received from the Chinese government.[3][4] It is the first inter-island bridge in the Maldives.[5]
Sinamalé Bridge ސިނަމާލެ ފާލަން China-Maldives Friendship Bridge | |
|---|---|
An aerial view of the bridge | |
| Coordinates | 4°10′24″N 73°31′28″E |
| Carries | Motor vehicles and Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Malé, Hulhulé |
| Locale | Maldives |
| Official name | Sinamalé Bridge |
| Maintained by | China Harbour Engineering |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Curve bridge |
| Total length | 1.39 km |
| Width | 20.3 m |
| History | |
| Constructed by | China Harbour Engineering Company |
| Construction end | 30 August 2018 |
| Opened | 7 September 2018 |
| Inaugurated | 30 August 2018 |
| Location | |
 Interactive map of Sinamalé Bridge ސިނަމާލެ ފާލަން | |
History
The vision of connecting the islands of Malé and Hulhulé through a bridge gained significant momentum in 2007[6] and became a key topic during the 2008 presidential campaign, championed by then-candidate Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.[7][8] While alternative viewpoints on the project were expressed at the time,[7] the commitment to realizing this crucial infrastructure ultimately prevailed.
Under the leadership of President Abdulla Yameen, the ambitious project officially commenced in 2014[9][10] and was inaugurated in 2018,[11]marking a historic milestone for the Maldives. This vital link, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, stands as the nation's first sea-crossing bridge.
The realization of this landmark project, with a total investment of US$210 million, was made possible through a significant partnership. A US$126 million grant from the Chinese government, complemented by a US$68 million concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, provided the essential funding.[12] China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), an established contractor that previously worked on the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge in Malaysia,[13]completed the construction.
The scale of the project and its financing model attracted considerable attention and discussion within the Maldives.[14] The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge stands as one of the most significant infrastructure achievements completed during the tenure of President Abdulla Yameen.
President Yameen's administration, which fostered closer ties with China, formally embraced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2014.[15] This strategic partnership facilitated substantial Chinese investment in critical Maldivian infrastructure, with the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge serving as a prime and enduring symbol of this mutually beneficial cooperation.
The plan form of the bridge follows a gentle curve, bowing out to the southern side of a direct line. It passes across a channel with a typical depth of more than 50 metres.[16]