Government’s much-hyped RTL services reach Noonu atoll

Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry services have reached 13 inhabited islands of Noonu atoll.

RTL service was officially launched in Noonu atoll on Thursday, by three members of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Cabinet of Ministers.

The special ceremony to launch the service in Noonu atoll was held in Manadhoo island, where several top government officials joined.

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim officially launched the service, during the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Adam Shareef Umar touched upon the significance and dire need for RTL services, adding that this is a service that the people are in desperate need of.

According to Minister Adam Shareef Umar, the service will pave the path for significant eases to the people of Noonu atoll.

The previous administration had earlier announced that all the preparations to launch RTL service in Noonu atoll, had been completed by the end of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

By mid-November 2023, the then Planning Ministry had announced that all vessels required to start services had been acquired and four major routes had been identified.

According to the then Planning Ministry, two of the three ferries for use during the trips were commissioned to recruit staff for services.

Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Abdulla Ziyad revealed that two ferries will be utilized in providing RTL services in Noonu atoll.

Ziyad noted that there were plans to start services on four routes, however, he said that the service will be provided via three routes.

The service will be provided entirely free of cost in the first week, as observed in other areas where the service has been inaugurated in the past.

MTCC revealed that a fee will be collected from August 1 onwards.

With the launching of the service in Noonu atoll, 81 islands in nine atolls of the Maldives have now been connected by the RTL ferry service.

On 17 January 2021, MTCC was awarded the first phase of the mega project, which was launched as part of former President Solih's presidential pledge to connect the entire country with a transport system.

The second and third phases were contracted during April 2022.

RTL's first zone services commenced on 27 September 2022 at a special ceremony titled 'Connecting the big Thiladhunmathi' in Dhidhdhoo island. The service was launched by former President Solih.

Under the RTL service, 82 vessels will be operated, and ferry terminals will be constructed across 188 islands. RTL service is being implemented in six zones of the country in separate phases.

The programme was launched in a bid to create hundreds of new jobs that ensure a good pay for employees.

Under the service, individuals over 65, children under three years of age and those registered as persons with disabilities will be able to travel for free.

Introducing the RTL service was a significant step to reduce travel time and costs, which in turn improves social connections, and steers a revolutionary transformation across the region.

Connecting the island nation through an integrated high-speed ferry network is one of President Solih’s pledges.

The ferry’s excellence, the neat organization of the trip schedule, the support of the service personnel as well as the low prices of the journey have been noted by several as factors that have made this service a resounding success.