China-Maldives Friendship Bridge brings convenience for locals

Cheng told Xinhua that during the 33-month construction which started at the end of 2015, Chinese engineers and workers had achieved a number of key technological breakthroughs and had pioneered the construction of large bridges under deep, exposed ocean environment with a coral reef geology.

"The success of the bridge has also prepared us for similar projects in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the future," he said.

On the first anniversary of its inauguration, the SHEC will conduct a quality check of the bridge to ensure that it meets all design requirements in the complicated ocean environment.

Many Maldivians had thought building the cross-sea bridge was "an impossible dream." However, their dream came true.

"This bridge connects our today and tomorrow; our present and our future. Opening of this bridge was not the end but the very beginning of the Maldivian Dream," said MCTCO Vice President Saud.