President Stops Short of Guaranteeing Underwater Tunnel Completion in 5 Years

Mohamed Muizzu has said couldn't guarantee that the proposed undersea tunnel linking Malé and Ras Malé will be completed within the current five-year presidential term.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Muizzu said technical work on the project is ongoing, but a clear timeline for completion cannot yet be determined. He added that the government’s current priority is focused on land reclamation and infrastructure development in the project area.

“A clear answer can only be given once the technical work is completed. At the moment, our focus is on land reclamation and the necessary infrastructure,” he said.

The Malé–Ras Malé underwater tunnel was a key campaign pledge of the president and has been described as a project that could significantly transform transport and connectivity in the capital region.

However, no confirmed start or completion date has been announced. Earlier, Construction Minister Dr.Abdulla Muththalib described the project as comparable to “going to the moon,” underscoring its scale and complexity.

The absence of a firm timeline raises questions over whether one of the government’s flagship infrastructure promises can be delivered within its current term.