Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service will commence in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in 2023.
Responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Aslam said efforts are underway to begin the RTL ferry service in Noonu Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City in 2023. He said the contractor will soon be tasked with manufacturing 11 vessels needed to begin the service.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) began the RTL high-speed ferry service in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network, which consists of 30 inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. The service began in Haa Dhaalu Atoll on June 12 and in Haa Alifu Atoll on July 3.
The state-owned company is now working to begin the service in Shaviyani Atoll before the end of August. As such, four high-speed ferries will be used for Shaviyani Atoll while a total of 17 ferries will be used for Zone 1. The ferries are air-conditioned with toilet facilities and have dedicated areas for stretchers and wheelchairs. The cost of a ticket ranges from USD2-13 and can be purchased online using a mobile application.
The National Public Ferry Network is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, and convenient 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.