Greater Male Connectivity Project [UPSC Notes]

India and the Maldives to sign pact on Greater Male Connectivity Project. In this article, you can learn more about the Greater Male Connectivity Project, its significance for the India – Maldives relationship and the details of the project. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam international relations segment.

Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)

• This project is funded by an Indian grant of $100 m and a Line of Credit of $400 m. It is also the biggest new development project by India in its neighbourhood. 
• It will involve the construction of a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link connecting the capital Male with the adjoining islands of 
  • Villingli, 
  • Gulhifalhu and 
  • Thilafushi.
• Before this, the largest connectivity project in the Maldives was the 1.4 km Chinese-funded bridge connecting Male to the Maldives airport on Hulhule Island, and to Hulumalhe Island.
• The scheme is composed of three navigation bridges of 140 m main span across the deep channel between each island, 1.41 km of a marine viaduct in deep water, 2.32 km of a marine viaduct in shallow water or on land, and 2.96 km of at-grade roads.

Image source: Indian Express

Greater Male Connectivity Project Significance 

• This project is significant because it facilitates inter-island connectivity in the country.
  • Before this project transport, it was a major challenge for residents who have to take boats or seaplanes to travel to distant islands. It becomes even more difficult during the monsoons when the seas are rough.
• Close to 40% of the entire population of the Maldives lives in Male, which has an area of approximately 8.30 square kilometres, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
  • It is very congested and land is a major issue. There is very little scope for Malé City to expand. 
  • This has encouraged the  Maldives government to consider decentralisation and the development of other inhabited islands by equipping them with civic facilities like hospitals and other institutions, that would incentivise people to relocate to other islands, reducing the burden on Male. 

India-Maldives

• The Maldives occupies a key position in India’s foreign relations and is a priority country in our neighbourhood first policy. 
• The Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) is concrete proof that India is a robust development partner of the Maldives in addition to being the First Responder in times of emergency in the Maldives.
• The GMCP is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall. This iconic project will give a major boost to the Maldivian economy.

Know more about the India – Maldives relationship in the linked article.

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