Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has officially commenced the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service under the Integrated National Public Ferry Network (INPFN) in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network on June 12th by connecting 13 islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll via five routes.
MTCC initially launched the service as a free trial on May 2nd to familiarise the public with the service, free of charge. MTCC is also preparing to launch its RTL services in Haa Alifu atoll.
Passengers can book tickets online for the RTL ferry service, via the app. The app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. One way tickets are priced at MVR 30 to 100 while return tickets are priced at MVR 60 to 200. Additionally, people with special needs will be able to travel via the RTL ferries for free, as well as children under three years old, provided that they sit on the primary passenger’s lap.
Raajje Transport Link (RTL) is an initiative of the Government of Maldives under the auspices of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network (INPFN) project to connect the islands, atolls and people of Maldives. Announced in 2021 and spearheaded by the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, RTL was conceived to be delivered to the public over three phases by MTCC:
- Phase One: connecting the islands of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls within Zone One.
- Phase Two: connecting the islands of Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani atolls within Zone Two, the islands of Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls within Zone Five and the cities of Fuvahmulah and Addu within Zone Six.
- And Phase Three: connecting the islands of Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu and Vaavu atolls within Zone Three and the islands of Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu atolls within Zone Four.
The high-speed ferries built for RTL will have a maximum occupancy of 50 passengers. The ferries are designed to accommodate a comfortable and secure ride for the passengers. The ferries are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seats and USB outlets for mobile recharging.
