President Muizzu announces progress is being made on underwater glass tunnel project, an initiative previously likened to a moon landing mission by Minister Muththalib

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that feasibility studies are currently underway for the underwater glass tunnel pledged to connect Male' with Fushidhiggaru Lagoon, the site of the ongoing Ras Male' land reclamation project.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, President Muizzu stated that technical assessments and feasibility studies for the construction of an underwater glass tunnel are currently underway. The President noted that while work on the tunnel project is progressing, the government’s primary focus at this stage remains on land reclamation efforts.

When asked whether the underwater glass tunnel project would be completed within the current presidential term, President Muizzu stated that a completion date can only be determined once the preliminary research and feasibility studies are finalized.

President Muizzu announced in January 2024 that an underwater glass tunnel would be constructed to connect Male' and Ras Male'.

However, after a long period of silence from the current administration regarding the underwater glass tunnel project, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib stated in October 2024 that the project remains a conceptual vision, likening it to the ambition of a moon mission. The Minister further noted that such infrastructure has not been constructed anywhere else in the world to date.

Despite numerous past deadlines for the completion of the Ras Male' reclamation project, the work remains unfinished. President Muizzu has envisioned developing the area to accommodate a large population. Furthermore, President Muizzu has stated that Male' and Ras Male' will be connected via an underwater glass tunnel, utilizing world-first innovative technology.