Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) reveals plans of upgrading and expanding its ferry fleet for Hulhumale' transport.
With the construction of accommodation flats in Hulhumale' by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, a huge influx of people have started settling in the new urban area. Maldives being an isolated island nation, the biggest impact of this influx is caused to the ferry services connecting capital city and Hulhumale'. Under the effort to cope with this surge, handler of the ferry services, MTCC has commenced efforts to upgrade the ferry terminals of Male' and Hulhumale'. In addition, MTCC has also revealed plans of adding two new ferry vessels to the current fleet.
MTCC official Mohamed Nazim stated the upgrading of the terminals is expected to be completed by the end of next January. Mohamed Nazim further stated that legal paper works of bringing two new ferry vessels to the current ferry fleet have commenced at a fast pace and stated that a new double deck is in the manufacturing process at the MTCC Boatyard situated at the island of Thilaffushi of Kaafu atoll.
On average about 22,000 people attain service from the Male'-Hulhumale' ferries, while this number is expected to incline to a range between 25-26,000 users, according to the latest studies. A total expenditure of about USD 300,000 is invested to upgrade and expand Male'-Hulhumale' ferry services, as per information provided by MTCC.