Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)

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Context: Maldives government has officially signed an agreement with Mumbai-based company AFCONS, for the construction of the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP). 

About Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP): 

• This infrastructure project involves the construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link that will connect the Maldives capital Male with the neighboring islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. 

• This project was funded by India in a grant of $100 million, with a line of credit of $400 million. 

• The GMCP is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall. 

• This project is significant because it facilitates inter-island connectivity in the country. Also, the GMCP is concrete proof that India is a robust development partner of the Maldives in addition to being the First Responder in times of any emergency in the Maldives. 

NOTE: The Line of Credit (LOC) is not a grant but a ‘soft loan’ provided on concessional interest rates to developing countries, which has to be repaid by the borrowing government.