HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
Maldives Transport Authority
Date: 29 th June 2015
Time: 11:15 am
Location: Huravee Building
Participants:
1. Ahmed Haleem- D.D
2. Ahmed Nasir- D.D.G
3. Hussain Nazeer- A.D
4. Shiyama- Admin Officer
Maldives Transport Authority was consulted on 29 th
Transport Ministry, Huravee Building.
June 2015 in a meeting held at the
The key points discussed in the meeting included questions regarding the diversion of the marine
traffic of Gaadhoo Koa Strait, the role of Transport Authority (TA) as a regulatory body in the
construction and operation of the Bridge, and addressing safety concerns regarding the operation
of the Bridge.
The diversion of marine traffic of Gaadhoo Koa was an important concern shared by the meeting
attendees. Gaadhoo Koa is currently the main entrance channel to Male’ atoll for vessels coming
from South of Male’, including domestic and international vessels. Hence, the diversion of these
vessels carries significant economic and social implications. It was identified that Bodu Kalhi
would be used as an alternative route for Gaadhoo Koa, once Gaadhoo Koa is closed off for the
construction and operation of the bridge. The alternative route, according to the TA officials,
does not present any significant risks. However, it was pointed out that Bodu Kalhi is a much
longer route compared to Gaadhoo Koa, thus the travel time would be longer and consequently
the costs associated would be higher too. The TA officials highlighted that the costs of marine
transport could increase by 200% when Bodu Kalhi is used over Gaadhoo Koa.
According to the TA officials, the regulatory role of TA in the bridge operation would be to
enforce road regulations such as signs, speed and traffic, and to determine routes and speed of
marine transport. The vessels that would be allowed to pass under the bridge would be
determined based on the tide, distance between the piles and the height of the bridge. TA will
regulate the traffic going to Hulhumale’, however, HDC will be the authority responsible for
monitoring and enforcing traffic regulations. Additionally, TA will be responsible for approving
the registration of new vehicles in Hulhumale’ once a vehicle registration letter has been issued
by HDC. With regards to the construction works, TA requires the contractor to strictly follow
the rules of the Maritime law and Land Transport Law, including the use of navigational lights
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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