President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that construction on the first comprehensive modernization of Malé's road network in decades is expected to begin no later than early 2027.

The announcement was made during the fourth episode of The Pulse podcast, which focused on the future of the capital's transportation infrastructure.

The President said the project would be the first large-scale redevelopment of Malé's roads since the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, noting that the city's road network has experienced years of limited maintenance.

Funded through a grant from the Government of China, the Malé Roads Development Project will go beyond resurfacing roads by introducing modern infrastructure designed to improve the city's resilience and transportation system.

The project includes a stormwater drainage network to reduce flooding, a dewatering system to support construction, and an integrated fire hydrant network.

The President also provided an update on the separate redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, stating that the second phase, stretching from Izzuddin Jetty to Barceló Nasandhura, has been completed and is expected to open to traffic next week.

The upgraded corridor will also feature a dedicated parking facility with space for approximately 500 motorcycles.

According to traffic assessments, the improvements are expected to ease congestion not only along Boduthakurufaanu Magu but across surrounding roads.

Following the completion of this phase, redevelopment will begin on the section between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Rasfannu, which the government has identified as the most deteriorated stretch.

The project is expected to improve access to the capital's market area, commercial district, and key transport routes.

The President also said that land reclamation carried out as part of the road widening project will create additional vessel berthing space while minimizing disruption to port operations.

Addressing long-term traffic challenges, President Dr. Muizzu said infrastructure upgrades alone would not permanently solve congestion.

He emphasized that the government's broader strategy focuses on regional development by expanding housing, public services, and economic opportunities outside the capital to reduce population pressure on Malé while supporting more balanced national development.