Preparations are underway to launch the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service in Huvadhu Atoll, next month, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Adam Azim.

Azim made the statement while speaking at the 'Falasurukhee' program of RaajjeTV, on Sunday.

Azim stated that MTCC teams have visited Huvadhu Atoll twice, to make the necessary arrangements for the start of the services. He disclosed that officials of the Planning Ministry have also visited islands of Huvadhu Atoll and met with the island communities.

He stated that teams of MTCC are currently visiting the islands even now, to provide the necessary information to the island communities.

If all goes as planned, the company will be able to kickstart the RTL ferry service in Huvadhu Atoll, in July, says the CEO.

MTCC commenced the RTL ferry service under the Integrated National Public Ferry Network. The network is designed to connect the three zones and six regions of the National Special Plan (2020-2040), including passenger and freight ferries. The ferry network will connect all the islands in the six regions. There are three different ways to connect the passenger ferry. They are via "Commute Link", "Non-Commute Link", and "Highway Link".

So far, MTCC has commenced the service in Haa Alif Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll in Zone One, and Lhaviyani Atoll in Zone Two.

Once the RTL speed ferry service is launched in all the six regions, a total of 82 speed boats will be used to provide the service. There will be 188 ferry terminals, all around the country and shipyards will be established in three zones.