Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has completed the transfer of vessels necessary for the launch of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Scheduled for its inauguration on July 13, MTCC is making preparations to commence the RTL ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The government-owned company has announced that passengers will be able to use the ferries without charge until July 20, allowing them to become acquainted with the new service. At present, the company is training 80 employees who will be responsible for operating the ferries within the atolls.
In a significant development, MTCC has already transferred six new ferries to Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with plans to transfer an additional four in the near future. These new ferries offer more spacious accommodations compared to the previous vessels and have a passenger capacity of 50, along with sufficient room to accommodate wheelchairs and stretchers. To ensure public awareness, the company has been conducting awareness programs since June 15, reaching out to the residents, employees, councils, and various government institutions within both atolls.
The RTL high-speed ferry service presently connects 41 islands across Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll. The introduction of the National Public Ferry Network through RTL represents a large-scale project aimed at providing efficient, affordable, and convenient passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands in the country. The government’s ultimate goal is to establish ferry connections to all islands by the conclusion of 2023.
