Thilafushi

Sri Lankan Excavator Operator Arrested Over Thilafushi Worker’s Death

Police arrested a Sri Lankan excavator operator in connection with the death of Amin Mia, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi worker, at the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) site on Thilafushi island. Amin died on Monday after being struck by the bucket of an excavator while waste was being handled. He fell into a pile of waste and was later moved and buried at another location. CCTV footage shows the excavator striking Amin, but it remains unclear if the operator was aware. Amin was reported missing on Tuesday, and his body was recovered on Wednesday. Police are investigating.

Lorry driver arrested after accident in Thilafushi

A lorry accident occurred in Thilafushi on 12 September 2025, where a foreign worker (Sri Lankan) was struck and run over. The driver, 28-year-old Indian Vignesh Annadrai, was arrested. The victim was taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) with serious injuries. Police investigations are ongoing.

Piling Work Completed on $500M Thilamalé Bridge Project

Construction Minister Abdulla Muthalib announced completion of piling work on the Thilamalé Bridge project, with all 263 piles installed at 68 land and sea locations, reaching 60.84% overall construction. The 6.7 km bridge, connecting Malé to Villimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, is built by India's Fcons under a $500 million project funded by a $400 million line of credit from Exim Bank of India and a $100 million grant from the Indian government.

Foreign National Caught in Cigarette Sting Says: ‘They’re Not Mine!’

Bangladeshi national Abdul Kareem, 45, was arrested on May 24 at Thilafushi Boatyard for allegedly smuggling 32 cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes. At his remand hearing, he denied ownership, claiming the goods were given to him by another person, but police noted he failed to provide details. The court extended his remand by 15 days. Police also found he was residing illegally in the Maldives. The article highlights the black market for cigarettes due to high taxes and bans, and ongoing enforcement efforts.

Fuel Facility at Funadhoo Will Relocate to Thilafushi Instead of Maagiri Falhu: STO

The fuel storage facility at Funadhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll will be relocated to Thilafushi instead of Maagiri Falhu, confirmed STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim. Relocation to Thilafushi is expected to be completed within three months. The Muizzu administration decided to move the facility to develop Funadhoo as a special economic zone and international finance hub, and to connect Funadhoo to Malé and Velana International Airport via a monorail. MACL signed an MoU with BUCG on 15 October for the monorail. Maagiri Falhu was previously allocated to HDC by the Solih administration.

Commercial Harbour To Be Operated by MPL: CEO Ibrahim

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim confirmed that MPL will not outsource the operation of the new commercial harbour at Thilafalhu, but will operate it themselves. MPL is in talks with three foreign companies for construction: China Harbour Engineering Company, Dubai Port World, and International Container Terminal Services. The aim is to confirm the builder by next month. The harbour project involves reclamation of 100 hectares, with 20 already reclaimed. The goal is to move port services to Thilafalhu by 2026.

HDC Opens Land Sales in Thilafushi for Maldivian Citizens

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has initiated land sales on Thilafushi for Maldivian citizens only. A total of 108 industrial plots are available in Zone A, Area B, categorized by size: Type 1 (64 plots, 2,500-4,999 sq ft), Type 2 (42 plots, 5,000-9,999 sq ft), Type 3 (2 plots, 10,000-14,999 sq ft). The sale involves an Expression of Interest and bidding process, with a minimum bid of MVR 1,700 per sq ft. Current leaseholders of Phase I plots (at least 5,000 sq ft) can purchase their leased land. Thilafushi is being developed as a primary industrial and business hub in the Malé region.

North Harbour, T-Jetty Will Also Move to Thilafushi Along With Malé Port: MPL CEO

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamd Wajeeh Ibrahim announced that Malé North Harbour and T-jetty will relocate to Thilafushi along with the Malé Commercial Port. President Mohamed Muizzu said the relocation is a priority and plans to complete it within five years. Land has been reclaimed, design work is underway, and completion is targeted by 2026. The new port will feature a 600-metre international quay-wall, and North Harbour will be able to serve three large ships simultaneously. Cargo unloading time will be reduced from five to nine days to two to three days. Work is expected to start by early April.

India’s Exim Bank Funds Earmarked for Malé Port Project Will Be Reallocated Across Other Projects: Finance Minister

Finance Ministry Holds Consultations on Ongoing ADB, AIIB Partnered Projects at Thilafushi

The Ministry of Finance held consultations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on ongoing partnered projects at Thilafushi. Key projects discussed include the Greater Malé Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project and the Greater Malé Waste to Energy Project. The meeting focused on progress and sustainability of solid waste management operations. Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq attended, along with senior officials.

Malé Commercial Port Project Shifts From Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi

President Mohamed Muizzu announced the relocation of the Malé Commercial Port from Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi, citing that Gulhifalhu is not optimal for development. A world-class port will be built at Thilafushi, complementing airport development to diversify the economy. The project, costing US$400 million (MVR 6.1 billion), will have capacity for 400,000 twenty-foot containers and is scheduled for completion in 2026. India's Exim Bank is providing a Line of Credit covering 75% of the cost, with a tender expected soon.

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