President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has travelled from Utheemu to Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll on a Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry.
President Solih concluded the National Day celebrations in Utheemu and received a warm welcome from the residents in Dhidhdhoo upon his arrival. He travelled to the island to officially inaugurate the commencement of the RTL high-speed ferry service in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network. He is accompanied by Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Adam Azim.
The RTL ferry service was established in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network, which consists of Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. Over 50,000 passengers used the service in the first three months and MTCC plans to sign a contract to manufacture 65 ferries to expand the service.
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.