Rome: Italy's Prime Minister Meloni's coalition government has given the green light to a highly debated infrastructure project that aims to connect Sicily to mainland Italy via a bridge across the Strait of Messina. The proposed bridge, if completed, would be the longest suspension bridge in the world, with an estimated cost exceeding £13 billion.

According to Deutsche Welle, a committee of Italian ministers approved the ambitious plan on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in a project that has been under discussion for decades. The 3.3-kilometer (2.05-mile) bridge is slated for completion by 2032. At a news conference in Rome, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini described the endeavor as "the biggest infrastructure project in the West."

The project has sparked controversy due to several concerns. Critics argue that building such a large suspension bridge in an earthquake-prone area poses significant risks. Additionally, there are worries about the project's cost, potential environmental damage, and the possibility of mafia involvement in construction contracts. Earlier this week, environmental groups filed a complaint with the European Union, citing serious environmental risks associated with the bridge.

Nicola Fratoianni, an MP from the Greens and Left Alliance, criticized the project as a "mega-project that will divert a huge amount of public resources" and warned of the risk of it becoming a "gigantic black hole." The center-left Democratic Party has also expressed opposition, stating that the project "tramples environmental, safety and European norms, and common sense."

Despite the skepticism, Wednesday's approval by the government committee is seen as the most significant progress the project has made since discussions began in the 1960s. The £13.5 billion ($15.6 billion) project has faced numerous delays and challenges over the years.

The bridge is designed to span the narrow Strait of Messina, featuring two railway lines and three lanes of traffic on each side. Proponents argue that it will drastically reduce travel times to and from Sicily, currently hindered by long ferry waits. Salvini suggested that construction could begin as early as September or October, positioning the bridge as part of a broader initiative to stimulate economic development in Sicily and Calabria, regions that have struggled economically.

Salvini also hinted at potential military applications for the bridge, stating that it "is obvious that it is dual-use and can therefore be used for security reasons too," signaling the project's strategic importance beyond civilian use.