Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced the decision to commence the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service in Shaviyani Atoll on July 31.
Last month, MTCC launched 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. MTCC has commenced the ferry service in Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and are currently undertaking the final preparations to begin operations to Shaviyani Atoll. The state-owned company revealed the ferries required for the operations will be sent to Shaviyani Atoll on July 29, with the service set to begin on July 31 with trial ferries. The company added the service will officially begin within a week after the trial operations begin.
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.