China-Maldives Friendship Bridge: First cross-sea bridge in the Maldives inaugurated

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was recently opened for traffic. It is first cross-sea bridge to be built in Maldives. It was China’s flagship infrastructure project in Maldives. It is considered as iconic project of China and Maldives cooperation towards building 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

It is 2.2 km long bridge and has four vehicle lanes and two pedestrian lanes. It connects Maldives capital city Male and neighbouring Hulhule island where island country’s main international airport is located. It will allow locals and tourists to transfer between the two islands on land within five minutes. The bridge was built with Chinese grant of $116 million. Apart from the grant, China also had provided $72 million as loan for 1.4 km section bridge as top up to the grant.v

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2018