The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has initiated familiarisation trips for the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Comprising 18 inhabited islands with a population exceeding 22,000, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll are now being served by six ferries brought in by MTCC to inaugurate the RTL ferry service in the area. Familiarisation trips are underway along nine routes. The first group of ferry passengers received a warm welcome in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with the presence of Adam Azim, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC, and council members. The passengers expressed their satisfaction with the comfortable ferry service and recognized its potential to foster tourism growth in the region.
During the welcoming ceremony, Azim affirmed the readiness of the MTCC team to offer ferry services in Huvadhoo Atoll, highlighting the training of more than 80 employees dedicated to serving the region. Saud Ali, President of the Thinadhoo Island Council, emphasized the frequent travel to Thinadhoo and the island’s numerous facilities. He noted that the faster transportation provided by the ferry service will greatly benefit both residents and visitors, contributing to the positive development of the island’s economy.
The RTL high-speed ferry service presently connects islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll. The National Public Ferry Network, facilitated through RTL, is a large-scale project aimed at introducing efficient, affordable, and convenient passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands across the country. The government’s objective is to establish ferry connections with all islands by the conclusion of 2023.
