Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated that the Integrated National Public Ferry Network has been receiving public praise and that most passengers have been using the service to travel for medical treatment.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Aslam said the high-speed ferry service began in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and will expand to all 40 islands in Zone 1 by July, which includes Haa Alifu Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll. The minister said that over 3,000 passengers have used the service in the past 11 days and that most people use the ferries to travel for medical treatment, with some travelling for business and picnics. He said that passengers are currently travelling to the same islands but that further expanding the service will result in more travel to the various islands connected via the ferry network.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed that the development of all ferry terminals under Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network will be completed by July and that 17 ferries will be used under the first phase. The ferry network is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, convenient, and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands of the country. In line with the Decentralisation Act, it aims to facilitate inclusive regional development by connecting people and services, accelerating social and economic growth, improving efficiency in the delivery of public services, as well as improving mobility and accessibility for all citizens in all areas of the nation. The proposed network classifies six central regions, as identified in the National Spatial Plan, and will provide two separate networks for passenger transit and movement of goods and services via cargo ferries within and in between the regions.