Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry services in Haa Alifu Atoll.
Speaking to PSM News, General Manager at MTCC Ismail Fariq said the RTL service in Haa Alifu will officially commence on July 3 and that tickets will be sold for USD2-7. The service has begun for 14 islands of the atoll and is free of charge for the first week. The high-speed ferries are scheduled to travel on five routes connecting the 14 inhabited islands of Haa Alifu Atoll every day. Dhidhdhoo is the atoll capital and sees the most travellers arriving for medical or business purposes.
MTCC began the RTL high-speed ferry service in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network, which consists of 40 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. As part of the work, MTCC plans to establish direct routes between Dhidhdhoo and Kulhudhuffushi, and Dhidhdhoo and Hanimaadhoo, as well as connect Dhidhdhoo with Ihavandhoo and Hoarafushi. The state-owned company stated that RTL services will begin in Shaviyani Atoll by the end of July.
The National Public 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, and improving mobility and accessibility for all citizens in all areas of the nation. The government aims to connect all Maldivian islands using the ferry network by the end of 2023.