Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated the Integrated National Public Ferry Network is a critical component of the economic strategy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The minister made the statements during a virtual ceremony to mark the start of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) national ferry system.
The national ferry network is a project of the government's National Spatial Plan (2020–2040). It is a project to build a high-speed ferry network to connect the islands. The network has been formally launched, and its primary goal is to enable people access to services at a low cost and with ease.
Speaking at the virtual inauguration ceremony, Economic Minister Fayyaz said the ferry network is an important project of the economic vision of President Solih. He said the entire economy of Maldives will be seen as one with the introduction of the ferry network. As such, the minister said small markets will become one big market, and the whole country will be connected as one, adding it is a relevant and appropriate system for the country. He mentioned the number of people seeking services from businesses will increase significantly which will also encourage the growth of small businesses in rural areas following the launch of the ferry network.
Moreover, speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem said the pilot ferries conducted also showed that a vast majority of people travelling are seeking health services. The service will be a huge improvement for the entire health system of the Maldives and will greatly reduce the expenditure incurred by the public, the minister added. He expressed that 186 health facilities connected by the ferry network will ease the availability of services and efficiency.
RTL services are commenced in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network, which consists of Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. The high-speed ferry service connects 13 islands in Haa Daalu Atoll via four routes.