MTCC commences RTL Ferry Service in the southern most atolls

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has commenced the Raajje Transport Link ferry service in the southern most atolls (Zone 6) of the Maldives.

MTCC commenced the RTL ferry service in Gnaviyani Atoll and Seenu Atoll on 18 August 2023.

The company states that the RTL ferry service was commenced in Gnaviyani Atoll and Seenu Atoll, via two new routes. As such, these two new routes will also act as a highway link to connect Zone 6 with Zone 5 (South and North Huvadhu Atoll) allowing citizens to conveniently travel within these four atolls for various purposes.

MTCC states that the company will conduct free of cost travel among these two new routes for a week, to facilitate customer awareness and familiarity with the service.

With the cessation of the trial period, from 25th August 2023 onwards, customers will be able to travel upon purchasing tickets. RTL Ferry Services will be provided seven days a week. Ferry schedule will be accessible on RTL travel app and RTL website.

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".

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.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during his fifth presidential address, delivered during the inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis on 06 February 2023, stated that RTL ferry services will be established in the southern most atolls of the country before the end of 2023.

In his address, the President noted that the islands should be developed in a particular order. As such, he noted that the economic activities which are currently based in certain areas of the country need to be spread throughout the country. To do this, a trusted transportation system is needed to be established first, said the President.

Stating that the whole of Maldives needs to be connected via sea, land and air transportation, President Solih stated that a trusted transportation system is most important in developing the country’s economy.